JPH06199468A - Copying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To make optimum sheet sorting achievable by altering the assignment of a sheet storage part according to the number of document sheets counted in time of the first round of document conveying, in a copying device capable of connecting an automatic document processor and a sheet postprocessor. CONSTITUTION:While a controller CONT 3 (first sorting control means) sorts a sheet to a document fed at the time of first circulation feeding into a specified paper discharge bin, a counter of a controller CONT 2 counts the number of document sheets fed in time of the first circulation feeding. In succession, this dot sheet number is compared with the allowable storage number set in each paper discharge bin, and at the time of each circulation feeding afterward the second circulation feeding, another controller CONT 3 (second sorting control means) sorts and outputs as distributing sheets to plural units of paper discharge bins so as not to go beyond the allowable storage sheet number.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copying apparatus in which an automatic original processing apparatus and a sheet post-processing apparatus can be connected to the copying apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an automatic document circulation processing device (RDF)
In a copying apparatus in which a sheet post-processing apparatus called a sorter is connected to a copying apparatus (main body), when sorting a predetermined number of copy sheets from a predetermined original, the original is placed on the RDF original tray and the keys of the main body are pressed. When you specify the sorting mode (sort mode), enter the required number of copies, and press the copy button, the documents will be separated one by one from the bottom (or top) of the placed documents and placed on the platen glass table of the main body. Then, the scanning is repeated for the number of copies to be input, and the required number of copies are made. The created copy sheets are sorted into bins of the number of copies sequentially input from the first bin of the sorter. This operation is repeated for the number of originals, and the sorting work for the number of input copies is completed.

[0003]

However, in the above conventional example, the automatic document processor (RDF: Recycle Docume) is used.
If the upper limit of the number of sheets that can be stored in the bin of the sorter does not match the upper limit of the number of documents that can be placed on the nt feeder, for example, RDF that can place 50 or more documents (hereinafter simply referred to as a document processing device) In some cases, if a sorter with a maximum capacity of 50 sheets per bin is connected to a system apparatus having
There is no problem because it is within the stacking range per bin of the sorter, but when the number of originals set is 50 or more, the upper limit is reached by the number counting means of the sorter, for example, the sheet number information counted by the sheet discharge sensor or the like. if you did this,
A stackover signal is issued from the control means in the sorter to the main body side to prohibit the subsequent copy operation, remove the sheet from the sorter bin, and then turn on the copy button again to start the copy operation for the next original. Since it was such a system, when the worker leaves the copy place and returns after a sufficient time required to finish copying,
The copy operation was stopped midway due to stackover, and in order to restart the copy operation, it was necessary to take out the copy sheets from the bin once and store these copy bundles separately.

Further, after the subsequent copying is completed, a complicated work is required such that a series of copying bundles is completed only by combining the above-mentioned dividedly stored copy bundle and the succeeding copying bundle. .

In order to prevent the above case,
The copy work is divided into two or more by dividing the number of documents placed on the RDF in advance so that the number of documents can be accommodated in the sorter or less, or the number of bins accommodated in the sorter device is at least larger than that of the document processing device. It becomes necessary to construct a space.

Therefore, in order to implement the former system, it is necessary to know the number of original documents in advance.
This work may be configured so that the document processing apparatus can count the number of sheets even if the user performs it. However, since this operation is required each time, for example, when the number of sheets of a document that is frequently used is large. If the maximum number of sheets that can be accommodated in the sorter is sufficiently small, the user may bother to count the number of sheets of a document that is apparent at first glance and enter the number information into the main body
Alternatively, when the RDF is circulated once to count the number of sheets, or after the counting is finished and it is recognized that the number of sheets is the maximum number of sheets to be accommodated or more, the original bundle is divided and two copying operations are performed, or two bins are used in advance. Loading of every other bin is started so that a part of the copies can be loaded, and when a predetermined number is reached, the next copy sheet may be loaded in another adjacent bin. In order to realize such a configuration, since the complicated work of always counting the number of originals must be performed first, time loss becomes large, and improvement in throughput of the automated system cannot be expected.

Further, in the latter case, if the number of bins is arranged in a limited space, the number of bins is reduced by the number of accommodated sheets per bin (for example, a bin space capable of loading 50 sheets each). And "20" bins can be placed, but "10" in a bin space that can hold 100 sheets each.
Since the number of bins that can be set is limited, the number of copies that can be set is reduced, and the number of originals that are actually often used (normal documents are 50
If it is assumed that there are many sheets or less), the number of copies that can be sorted at one time will decrease, so even if the above-mentioned drawback (the number of documents stored exceeds the allowable number of sorter stacking), a new There will be problems.

In this way, the copying operation may be complicated in that the number of originals cannot be recognized in advance, and the counting means itself for recognizing the number of originals causes a time loss in normal operation. There were many problems such as unacceptability.

Further, in a system in which an original can be recirculated, there are mainly three types described below.

The first is a feeding method by a switchback type document processing apparatus, in which a sheet material to be an original is conveyed from an original tray to an image reading position from an edge side of a platen glass, and the sheet material is placed at an arbitrary position. After being placed, the image reading unit of the copying apparatus moves to read the image, and after the reading is finished, the sheet material is discharged from the same end side as the sheet feeding of the platen glass and is placed again on the tray.

As a result, after the image of the sheet material (original) is read by the image reading unit in the copying apparatus, the sheet material is discharged from the platen and the next sheet material to be processed is placed on the platen. The time required to replace the sheet material up to this point (hereinafter referred to as the sheet material replacement time) is always about two sheet materials because the sheet material is discharged from the platen and the next sheet material is pulled in. Document feeding time becomes long.

Therefore, in a high-speed copying apparatus, the time between sheets of the copying apparatus (for example, the distance (distance) between the trailing edge of the first sheet and the leading edge of the second sheet divided by the process speed).
Since the higher the speed, the shorter the time becomes 1 to 1 (when one image is formed from one sheet). Productivity of 10
It becomes impossible to make it 0%.

Therefore, according to the above switchback method, since the sheet material replacement time is long, in a high speed copying machine,
Achieving 100% productivity is considered difficult.

However, according to the switchback method, since the originals can be separated and fed from the direction close to the home position of the image reading unit (optical system) of the copying apparatus, the original from the original tray to the sheet material mounting position. There is also an advantage that the distance from the start of separation of the sheet material to the platen is relatively short because the distance is relatively short, and the time to start the first copy is short because the time is relatively short.

The second is a feeding method by a closed loop type document processing apparatus. Depending on the size of the sheet material, the sheet material is conveyed and placed from the edge side of the platen glass to the image reading position, and after the image reading is completed, It has a sheet path that discharges to the tray from the same end as the paper feed and a sheet path closed loop type that conveys and discharges the sheet material onto the tray from the end opposite to the paper feed of the platen glass after image reading is completed.
Large-sized originals (for example, A3 and the like) are switched back in the same manner as described above, but half-sized and smaller originals (for example, A4 and the like) are fed by a closed loop path.

In particular, in the closed loop path, after the image reading of the first sheet material is completed, the next sheet is placed at the image reading position. In this type, the sheet replacement time is one sheet plus the sheet material. Since it only requires the distance to carry the paper, it makes it possible to replace the sheet material at a higher speed than feeding by the switchback method, but if the speed is further increased, the distance is already fixed. Therefore, it becomes difficult to control the stop position with high accuracy by increasing the transport speed, increasing the damage on the sheet material when the sheet material is jammed,
There is a problem in that the size of the device is increased due to the increase in speed and the size of the motor is increased, the cost of the device is increased, and a large amount of noise is generated.

The third is a switchback + closed loop path flow-readable original processing apparatus. In order to cope with the above-mentioned high speed, high-speed image formation is performed without high-speed paper conveyance, so the image reading section of the copying apparatus is fixed. Then, the sheet material is conveyed and the image is read, so-called flow reading.

When performing such a flow-through reading, an appropriate image cannot be obtained unless the image is read while the sheet is being conveyed from the edge of the platen glass toward the edge opposite to the sheet feeding. Another sheet feeding port that can be separated and conveyed from the direction opposite to the back path is provided so that the sheet material can be conveyed from one end side and the other end side of the platen glass to the image reading position.

In the original processing apparatus having the above-described structure, the switch feeding path and the closed loop path can be handled by feeding the sheet material from the optimum processing direction according to the mode. It is a back + closed loop path flow reading type. According to this feeding method, since there is a control means for switching between reading in both the fixed reading mode and the flow-reading mode, the flow-reading mode is adopted when performing 1 to 1 copying of a document size of half size or less. By doing so, the original replacement time can be made equal to or shorter than the time between sheets of the sheet material on which an image is formed in the copying machine. 1 to the following sheet materials
It is possible to achieve 100% productivity without lowering the copy speed of 1, that is, without handling the original at high speed.

Further, in the 1 to N mode, the closed loop path is a paper path which is conveyed from the opposite direction to the above, but if the original is continuously conveyed by the same method, the same ability as described above is exhibited. It becomes possible.

Next, the post-processing apparatus (sorter) side of the copy sheet will be described. There is proposed a post-processing apparatus that meets the diversifying needs of users year by year. Hereinafter, the processing operation of the sorter will be described as an example.

When a certain user requests the work of preparing a large number of relatively few originals, and another user requests the operation of preparing a small number of many originals, the configuration corresponding to the former request is taken. Although the number of sheets that can be loaded in each bin is small, a large number of bins (accommodation trays) are required. On the other hand, in the latter case, if a large number of bins can be accommodated in one bin, The result is conflicting that it is not necessary.

Therefore, if it is attempted to prepare a large number of bins capable of accommodating a large number of bins for each request, two or more sorters are arranged side by side or the size of the apparatus is physically increased, resulting in an increase in cost. was there.

For example, when copying only one copy of a small number of originals (4 to 5 or less), even if the image is read in the flow reading mode in which the original replacement time is the shortest,
If the time until the copy of the first document is started passes through the path on the non-scan side having a longer path length than the switchback path and the closed loop path, the effect of non-scan reading cannot be obtained.

Therefore, the switchback to the high speed copying machine +
When a closed loop path (flow-through type) manuscript processing device is connected, the time from turning on the copy start button to the end of all copying (total copying time) is a small number of manuscripts and only one copy When making a copy of the original (in the case of the small number original 1 to 1 mode), the influence of the time until the first copy is started in the total copy time becomes large, and the original exchange time is slower than the flow reading mode. There is a problem that the time may be shortened when the back mode is used.

Even if such a problem occurs, the document processing apparatus cannot recognize the state until the circulation of the number of placed documents is completed, so that the time-consuming flow reading path side is used. When making a copy of one copy of a small number of originals (or up to about two copies), switchback + closed loop path (flow-readable type), which is the preferred feeding method, rather reduces the productivity of the system. There was a problem that it would end up.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and controls the allocation of the storage portion of the storage means for storing the sheets by detecting the number of stacked originals or the stack thickness of the stacked originals. Then, even if the number of documents to be sorted exceeds the maximum number of sheets that can be loaded in the sorter, the sheets can be sorted while sorting the sheets to the storage means having a plurality of storage units, so that even if the number of stored documents exceeds the maximum number stored in the storage unit, the setting can be made. It is possible to smoothly sort the specified number of sheets, control the feeding path of the originals to be fed by detecting the number of loaded originals or the stack thickness of the loaded originals, and process conditions of the sheet post-processing device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a copying apparatus capable of efficiently sorting the set number of copies for a set document bundle by reducing the copy processing time. To.

[0028]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A first copying apparatus according to the present invention is a stacking device for stacking a document, and a document stacked on the document stacking device is fed one by one to an exposure section for exposure. A document conveying unit for discharging the document to the document stacking unit, a one-cycle detecting unit for detecting that the document conveying unit has circulated the document once, and a counting unit for counting the number of documents conveyed by the document conveying unit. A copying means for exposing the image of the exposed original on a sheet by performing exposure in the exposure section; a storing means having a plurality of storing sections for storing the sheets copied by the copying means; and the original conveying means. The operation of circulating the original for the first time, the operation of counting the number of originals by the counting means, the operation of copying the original by the copying means, and the copying operation to a predetermined storage portion of the storage means. The sheet conveying operation is performed, then the original conveying unit circulates the original document for the second time, the copying unit performs the original copying operation, and the copying is performed according to the counting result of the counting unit. And a control unit that changes the allocation of the storage units that store the stored sheets.

In the second copying apparatus according to the present invention, the control means changes the allocation of the storage parts depending on whether the counting result by the counting means is less than or equal to the maximum number of sheets to be stored in the storage part or exceeds the maximum number of sheets to be stored. It is configured as follows.

In the third copying apparatus according to the present invention, the storing means includes a first storing section in which the maximum number of stored sheets is equal to or larger than the number that can be transported by the document transporting means, and the maximum number of stored sheets is the document transporting means. A second storage unit that is less than the number of sheets that can be conveyed by the first storage unit, and the sheets copied by the first circulation of the original document are stored in the first storage unit and copied by the second copying. Is configured to be stored in the second storage portion.

In the fourth copying machine according to the present invention, the storage means has a plurality of second storage portions.

In the fifth copying apparatus according to the present invention, the control means is such that when the result of counting by the counting means is less than the maximum number of sheets to be stored in the second storage section, the storage section immediately adjacent to the storage section in which the sheets are stored is stored. If the counting result exceeds the maximum number of sheets that can be stored in the second storage section,
It is configured such that the sheets are sequentially stored in at least the storage section immediately adjacent to the storage section in which the sheets are stored.

In the sixth copying apparatus according to the present invention, a set of placed originals is sequentially separated and fed, placed on a predetermined position on the original platen glass of the main body, and the originals are scanned and then placed. In a copying apparatus in which a feeder capable of sequentially discharging the formed originals and circulating the originals and a sorter for discharging the sheets sent from the main body onto a plurality of bins to sort the sheets are connected to the feeder, When circulating and feeding the placed document stack, a counting unit that counts the number of documents fed at the first circulation feeding, and a sheet for the documents fed at the first circulation feeding in the sorter. The first sorting control means for sorting into a predetermined bin, the number of documents counted by the counting means and the allowable number of stored sheets set in each bin other than the predetermined bin are compared with each other for the second circulation feeding and thereafter. At the time of circulation feeding, A plurality of bins so as not to exceed the storage number in which a second sorting control means to sort while sorting the sheets.

In the seventh copying apparatus according to the present invention, the second sorting control means is arranged so that each circulation feeding after the second circulation feeding,
It is configured such that the bins are sorted into two adjacent bins so as not to exceed the allowable number of stored sheets.

In the eighth copying apparatus according to the present invention, the second sorting control means does not exceed the allowable number of stored sheets at each circulation feeding after the second circulation feeding based on the output of the counting means. The configuration is such that the sheets are sorted into two adjacent bins while the sheets are distributed in an approximately equal number.

In the ninth copying apparatus according to the present invention, the second sorting control means sequentially skips and selects a predetermined number of bins according to the designated number of copies at the time of the second circulation feeding based on the output of the counting means. However, the sheets corresponding to the same original are sorted and sorted.

The tenth copying apparatus according to the present invention compares the number of sorting bins used in each circulation feeding after the second circulation feeding with the total number of bins excluding a predetermined bin, and sets the number of manuscript copies that can be set. And a correcting means for automatically correcting the set number of copies based on the output of the determining means.

An eleventh copying apparatus according to the present invention comprises a storage means having a plurality of storage portions for storing sheets on which originals have been copied, and a counting means for counting the number of originals conveyed by the original conveying means. An operation of circulating the original document for the first time, an operation of counting the number of original documents by the counting means, an operation of copying the original document, and an operation of storing the copied sheet in a predetermined storage portion of the storage means. And a control means for changing the allocation of the storage unit for storing the copied sheets in accordance with the count result. The device is configured to be connectable to the main body.

In a twelfth copying apparatus according to the present invention, a document stacking unit for stacking a document, a detecting unit for detecting a stack thickness of a stack of documents stacked on the document stacking unit, and a stacking unit for the document stacking unit. An original feeding unit that feeds originals one by one to an exposure unit and discharges them to the original stacking unit after exposure, and a copying unit that performs exposure at the exposure unit and copies an image of the exposed original onto a sheet. The storage unit has a plurality of storage units for storing the sheets copied by the copying unit, and a control unit for changing the allocation of the storage units for storing the copied sheets based on the detection result of the detection unit. It is a thing.

In the thirteenth copying apparatus according to the present invention, the control means controls whether the detection result by the detection means is equal to or less than the thickness corresponding to the maximum number of sheets stored in the storage section or the thickness corresponding to the maximum number of sheets stored. The storage allocation of the storage unit is changed depending on the case of exceeding.

In the fourteenth copying apparatus according to the present invention, the control means is arranged immediately adjacent to the accommodating section in which the sheets are accommodated when the detection result by the detecting means is not more than the thickness corresponding to the maximum number of accommodating sheets in the accommodating section. If the detection result exceeds the thickness corresponding to the maximum number of sheets that can be stored in the storage section, the sheets are sequentially stored in the storage section, and the storage section in which at least the storage section immediately adjacent to the storage section in which the sheets are stored is skipped sequentially. It is configured to store the seat.

A fifteenth copying apparatus according to the present invention has a storing means having a plurality of storing portions for storing sheets on which a copy of an original is made, an operation for detecting a thick bundle of the stacked originals, and copying the original. The sheet processing apparatus is configured to be connectable to the main body, the control unit changing the allocation of the storage unit for storing the copied sheets according to the detection result of the thick bundle of documents.

A sixteenth copying apparatus according to the present invention is a document table on which a document to be copied is stacked, a detecting means for detecting an approximate number of documents stacked on this document table, and one document on the document table. A sheet feeding path for sequentially separating the sheets one by one and leading to the original reading position from one end of the platen glass, and feeding the original to the original reading position through the sheet feeding path, and after reading the original, the other side of the platen glass is read. A document processing unit having a document feeding / discharging unit for discharging the document on an end side, a copying unit for copying an image obtained by exposing the document on a fed sheet, and a copying unit for feeding the document. A sheet post-processing unit for performing a predetermined sheet post-processing on the sheet according to a plurality of processing modes, and a copy processing time for the document based on an approximate number of documents detected by the detection unit before feeding the document is short. Those having a setting control means for controlling the selection setting of the processing condition of the document processing device and sheet post-processing means so that.

In the seventeenth copying apparatus according to the present invention, the detecting means is configured to detect the approximate number of sheets based on the thickness of the originals placed on the original table.

In the eighteenth copying apparatus according to the present invention, an original table on which originals are stacked and the originals on the original table are sequentially separated one by one, and the first feed is introduced from one end of the platen glass to the original reading position. The feeding path and the first feeding path sequentially separate the originals on the original table one by one in different directions and guide the originals from one end of the platen glass to the original reading position, and the first feeding path. A document processing unit that feeds the document to a document reading position via a feeding path or a second feeding path, and after reading the document, places the document on the platen glass from the platen glass via the document delivery path, and a paper feed unit. Means for copying an image obtained by exposing the original to a sheet to be formed, sheet post-processing means for performing a predetermined sheet post-processing on the sheet sent from the copying means, and before feeding the original. Detected by the detection means Those having a setting control means for controlling the setting of the sheet sending passage destination from the document processing device as the document processing time is shortened with respect to the document was based on the approximate number of document sheets.

In the nineteenth copying apparatus according to the present invention, the detecting means is configured to detect the approximate number of sheets based on the thickness of the originals placed on the original table.

In the twentieth copying apparatus according to the present invention, when the setting control means detects that the thickness of the document stacked on the document table is less than or equal to the predetermined thickness, the setting control means determines the feeding destination from the document table. Is configured to selectively set the first feeding path.

In the twenty-first copying apparatus according to the present invention, the setting control means, when the detecting means detects that the thickness of the original stacked on the original table is equal to or larger than the predetermined thickness, the sorting mode of the sheet post-processing means. Is configured so that the skip mode is selected and set.

[0049]

In the first aspect of the present invention, the control means changes the allocation of the storing portion for storing the sheets in accordance with the number of stacked originals counted by the counting means during the first cycle of conveying the originals. Optimal sheet sorting is possible.

In the second aspect of the invention, the control means stores the sheets in accordance with whether or not the number of stacked documents counted by the counting means during the first cycle of document transportation exceeds the maximum number of stored documents set in the storage section. Since the allocation of the storage units to be changed is changed, it is possible to perform the optimal sheet sorting even when the number of originals stored in the storage unit exceeds the maximum.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the storage section for storing sheets is changed between the first cycle of document transportation and the second cycle of document feeding, the number of documents is 2 or more for the maximum number of documents. After the circulation, it is possible to sort the sheets by using the second storage unit in which the number of documents is equal to or less than the maximum number of sheets to be stored.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, when the storage section for storing sheets is changed between the first cycle of document transportation and the second cycle of document feeding, the number of documents is 2 or more for the maximum number of documents. After the circulation, it is possible to sort the sheets by using a plurality of second storage units each having the maximum number of documents to be stored.

In the fifth aspect of the invention, when the storage section for storing the sheets is changed between the first cycle of document transportation and the second cycle of document feeding, the number of documents is 2 for the maximum number of documents or more. After the circulation, it is possible to sort the sheets by using a plurality of adjacent second storage units in which the number of originals is equal to or smaller than the maximum number of stored sheets.

In the sixth aspect of the present invention, when copying is performed by connecting the sorter and the feeder, even if the number of documents exceeds the number of sheets accommodated in the bin, the first cycle of document transportation and the second cycle of document transportation. By the document conveyance, the first sorting control unit and the second sorting control unit can sort the sheets into a predetermined bin or a plurality of bins, respectively.

In the seventh invention, when copying is performed by connecting the sorter and the feeder, even if the number of originals exceeds the number of sheets that can be accommodated in the bin, the second original is conveyed during the second cycle.
The sorting control means can sort the sheets into a plurality of adjacent bins.

In the eighth aspect of the invention, when copying is performed by connecting the sorter and the feeder, even if the number of originals exceeds the number of sheets that can be accommodated in the bin, the second cycle of original conveyance is performed.
It is possible for the sorting control means to sort the sheets into a plurality of adjacent and adjacent bins so that the thickness of the bundle of sheets divided into substantially equal numbers becomes uniform.

According to the ninth aspect of the invention, when copying is performed by connecting the sorter and the feeder, even if the number of originals exceeds the number of sheets that can be accommodated in the bin, the originals are transferred in the page order during the second cycle of conveying the originals. It becomes possible to sort the sheets in a state of being aligned.

In the tenth invention, when copying is performed by connecting the sorter and the feeder, even if the number of originals exceeds the number of sheets accommodated in the bin, the setting is made during the second cycle of conveying originals. It is possible to efficiently perform sheet processing by correcting the number of copies to the optimum number according to the processing capacity of the sorter.

In the eleventh aspect, the sheet processing means connected to the main body can sort the sheets by changing the allocation of the storage section for sorting the sheets sent from the main body.

In the twelfth aspect of the invention, since the allocation of the storage section for sorting the sheets sent out from the main body is changed according to the thickness of the stack of originals stacked, a plurality of originals are stored from the first cycle of the originals without counting the number of originals. It is possible to sort sheets optimally by using parts.

In the thirteenth aspect of the invention, since the thickness of the stacked originals is compared with the thickness of the sheets corresponding to the maximum number of sheets stored in the storage section to change the allocation of the storage sections, the number of originals is counted. Even if the original thickness exceeds the thickness of the sheet corresponding to the maximum number of sheets to be stored, optimal sheet sorting can be performed from the first cycle of the original using a plurality of storage units.

In the fourteenth aspect of the invention, even if the number of originals exceeds the number of sheets that can be stored in the bin, the second sorting control means transfers the sheet bundle to a plurality of adjacent bins from the first cycle. It becomes possible to sort the sheet bundle in a state where the page order is uniform.

In the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the second sorting control means provided in the sheet processing means connected to the main body can perform the second sorting from the first cycle even if the number of originals exceeds the number of sheets accommodated in the bin. It becomes possible for the control means to sort so that the thickness of the bundle of sheets divided into substantially equal numbers becomes uniform.

In the sixteenth aspect of the invention, the document processing means and the sheet are arranged so that the setting control means shortens the copy processing time for the document based on the approximate number of documents detected by the detecting means before feeding the document. Since the selective setting of each processing condition of the post-processing means is controlled, the sheet post-processing means can perform optimum sorting processing from the first cycle.

In the seventeenth aspect of the invention, the original document is controlled so that the copy processing time for the original document is shortened based on the approximate number of sheets detected from the thickness of the original document detected by the detecting means before the original document is fed by the setting control means. Since the selective setting of each processing condition of the processing means and the sheet post-processing means is controlled,
The sheet post-processing means enables optimal sorting processing from the first cycle.

In the eighteenth invention, it is possible to feed the original by selecting the shortest feeding path so that the copying processing time is shortened according to the approximate number of the originals stacked on the original table. Become.

In the nineteenth aspect of the invention, the shortest feeding path is selected and the original is fed so that the copy processing time is shortened according to the approximate number of sheets detected from the thickness of the original placed on the original table. It becomes possible.

In the twentieth aspect of the present invention, when the thickness of the document stacked on the document table is smaller than the predetermined thickness set for the document, the first feeding path is selected as the feeding destination from the document table. Therefore, even when the number of originals stacked on the original table is small, high-throughput copying can be performed.

In the twenty-first aspect, when the thickness of the document stacked on the document table is thicker than the predetermined thickness set for the document, the skip mode is selected as the sorting mode of the sheet post-processing means. It is possible to sort the sheets sent out from the main body in the optimal sorting mode from the cycle.

[0070]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the construction of a copying machine showing an embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, 100 is a document processing device (RD
Reference numerals F) and 101 are document placing tables (original trays) on which a plurality of documents can be placed at the same time with the surface of the document facing upward. 10
Reference numeral 2 denotes an original conveying roller, which sequentially separates and conveys a plurality of originals one by one from the lowermost portion by a separation roller pair 103a and a separation belt 103b, and performs skew correction and timing of conveyance by a registration roller 104, and then main body 500.
It is positioned on the original platen glass (platen glass) 501 by the conveyor belt 105 on the original platen. The positioned document is scanned by the lamp 502a of the optical system according to a predetermined process of the main body 500, and when it is finished, the conveyor belt 105, the intermediate conveyor roller 1
The papers 06 and 107 and the tray discharge roller 108 sequentially discharge the document onto the document group placed on the document table 101.

In the figure, CONT1 is a main body control unit which is configured to communicate with the controller CONT2 of the RDF 100 and the controller CONT3 of the sorter 700, and the control procedure described later is stored in the ROM (not shown), and the control procedure is illustrated. The main body control, the RDF control, and the sorter control are executed by the CPU.

In the copying apparatus configured as described above,
First sorting control means (controller CO in this embodiment)
While the NT3) sorts and outputs the sheet for the document fed during the first circulation feeding to the predetermined discharge bin of the sheet post-processing means (sorter 700), the counting means (the counter of the controller CONT2 in this embodiment). Counts the number of originals fed during the first circulation feeding, compares the counted number of originals with the allowable number of stored sheets set in each of the remaining discharge bins other than the predetermined discharge bin, At each circulation feeding after the second circulation feeding, the second sorting control means (controller CONT3 in this embodiment) sorts and outputs the sheets while sorting the sheets into a plurality of discharge bins so as not to exceed the allowable storage number. As a result, it is possible to sort and output a desired number of sheets from a document in which the number of stored documents exceeds the number of sheets that can be stacked in the sorter.

Further, the second sorting control means sorts and outputs to the two adjacent discharge bins so as not to exceed the allowable number of sheets to be stored during each circulation feeding after the second circulation feeding, It is possible to easily collect and output a desired number of sheets from a document in which the number of stored documents exceeds the sorter stackable number.

Further, the second sorting control means, based on the output of the counting means, at the time of each circulation feeding after the second circulation feeding, to the adjacent two discharge bins so as not to exceed the allowable storage number, By sorting and outputting the sheets into substantially equal numbers, it is possible to equalize the thickness of the separated sheet bundle.

Further, the second sorting control means, based on the output of the counting means, at the time of the second circulating feeding, sequentially skips a predetermined number of discharge bins according to the designated number of sheets and selects sheets corresponding to the same original. By sorting and outputting while sorting, it becomes possible to sort in a state in which the number of stored documents exceeds the number of sheets that can be stacked in the sorter and the page order is uniform when the sort mode is designated.

Further, at each circulation feeding after the second circulation feeding, the determining means (the controller CONT2 in this embodiment).
When the number of manuscript sets that can be set is determined by comparing the number of sorting paper discharge bins used by the printer and the total number of paper discharge bins excluding a predetermined paper discharge bin, the correction unit (controller CONT in this embodiment) is determined.
1) automatically corrects the set number of copies on the operation unit based on the output of the determining means, thereby making it possible to efficiently perform the post-processing of the optimum number of sheets using the total discharge bin.

The image forming process of the main body 500 will be described below.

The original on the original table glass 501 scans the original image by reciprocating in the X direction in the figure with the scanning lamp 502a and the first mirror 502b integrated. The mirror image of the original is turned upside down by the second mirror 503, the third mirror 504, and the lens 505, and the fourth mirror
Information on the platen is transmitted as light onto the photosensitive drum 507 by the mirror 506. Reference numeral 508 denotes a primary charging wire, which gives an electric charge in advance on the photosensitive drum 507, and a latent image is formed by optical information from the optical system. Reference numeral 509 denotes a developing device, and toner as a developer is adsorbed by the slave on a portion of the photosensitive drum 507 where electric charge remains.
Reference numeral 600 denotes a sheet feeding device. In this embodiment, a cassette of three stages and a manual feeding mechanism are arranged at the top. Reference numeral 601 denotes a lowermost sheet storage unit. The sheets stacked in the sheet storage unit 601 are fed by the separation / conveyance roller 602, and the skew correction timing is set by the registration roller 502 of the main body to transfer the sheet to the photosensitive drum 507. Wire 51
The image is transferred onto the sheet by passing 0, is electrostatically separated from the photosensitive drum 507 by the separating wire 511, is conveyed to the position of the fixing device 513 by the conveying belt 512, and is heat and pressure fixed by the fixing roller pair, The sheet is conveyed to the sheet post-processing device 700 by the sheet discharge roller 514. When performing image processing such as multiplex or double-sided processing, the registration roller 5 is processed through the intermediate processing unit 515.
The sheet is conveyed to the position 02.

2A and 2B are cross-sectional views of a main part for explaining the partitioning mechanism of the document tray 101 of the RDF 100 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2A shows a case where there are many documents and FIG. 2B shows a case where there are few documents. Represent In these figures, on the output shaft 117 of the partition member motor 115, a partition flag 119 that is freely designated in the rotation direction and a partition lever 120 that is fixed to the output shaft 117 and that drives the partition flag 119 to rotate are provided. It is arranged coaxially. Partition flag 1
As shown in FIG. 19, a part of the circumference is cut, and a partition member 114 made of a flexible material such as a polyester film and a leaf spring is fixed on the circumference. , Rotates on the output shaft 117 integrally with the partition flag 119. Further, since the center of gravity of the partition flag 119 is on the partition member 114 side, when the partition member is not placed on the upper surface of the original and the partition lever 120 is not driven, the partition flag 114 is directly below the partition member 114. Stop when you reach the position. A partition sensor 121 detects the partition flag 119 to determine the position of the partition member 114.

In FIG. 2A, the original tray 101
When the sheet originals P are fully loaded on the upper side, the partitioning member 114 starts from the portion in contact with the upper surface of the sheet original P.
Since the distance to the mounting portion of 4 is short, the partition member 114
, The partition member 114 is not deformed and is flat along the sheet document P as shown in the figure.

On the other hand, when the number of the sheet originals P stacked on the original tray 101 is small, the partition member 114 having the conventional rigidity stops when the tip of the member is in contact with the surface of the sheet original P. Therefore, at the end position of the document, the partition member 114 floats up with a gap from the surface of the document. Then, when the sheet document P is discharged above the partition member 114, the leading edge of the discharged document collides with the partition member 114 and is caught and cannot be stably stacked on the document tray 101. .
As shown in FIG. 2B, since the partition member is flexible, the partition member 114 is adapted to the state of the surface of the sheet document P by the driving force of the partition lever 120, and is the same as when fully loaded. It becomes flat along the upper surface of the sheet document P.

Therefore, the partition member 114 is always in close contact with the upper surface of the document stack P regardless of whether the number of the document sheets P on the document tray 101 is large or small, and is therefore discharged. The document does not collide with the partition member 114, and the sheet document P can be stably discharged and stacked.

FIG. 3 shows the sheet post-processing device 7 shown in FIG.
00 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the detailed configuration of No. 00, particularly showing a case of a bin moving type staple sorter. The copy sheet discharged from the discharge roller 514 of the main body 500 is transferred to the sorter 70.
Sheets are fed to the bins B1 to BN of the bin group B, which are guided by the fixed conveyance guides 710, 712, 715 on the 0 side and positioned at the position of the non-sorted paper discharge roller 713 or the sorted paper discharge roller 716, by the sort paper discharge roller 716. Is discharged. When the discharge is completed, the bin group B is shifted up or down by one bin and the next sheet is discharged to the adjacent bin. This operation is repeated so that the sheets can be sorted into each bin.

The image forming sequence when the document processing apparatus (RDF) 100 and the sheet post-processing apparatus 700 are systematized will be described below.

For the sake of clarity, the RDF100
And the provisional specifications of the sorter 700 are set. here,
The RDF 100 is capable of processing up to 100 originals at the same time, and the sorter 700 has a top bin (first bin) of 1
From 00 sheets or more, 50 sheets can be stacked from 2 bins to 21 bins. This specification is a specification that matches a relatively large capacity copy system.

The operation of the sorter 700 will be described below with reference to the stacking state diagram shown in FIG.

The operator is to attach the original tray 10 of the RDF 100.
A document is placed on 1, and a processing mode and the number of copies are input by a key of an operation unit (not shown) of the main body 500. At this point of time, the information on the number of originals is not known even by the main body 500, and the operator cannot know the information unless the number of the originals is counted in advance.

In this case, in the conventional system in which the copying machine and the sorter are connected, the originals are separated one by one from the lowermost one of the stacked originals and the main body is continuously copied for the set number of copies. Repeatedly, the sorter sorts the bins from which copies are ejected one by one. This operation was repeated until the originals were circulated once, and the set number of copies were sorted into each bin, and the sequence for ending the sorting was executed.

Therefore, the number of originals is first recognized when a series of copying operations are completed, and therefore, even if, for example, 70 pages of originals exceeding the maximum number of sheets that can be stacked in each bin are placed, the originals are once copied. When the sequence is started, the sorting process continues even if the maximum number of sheets loaded in each bin is exceeded, eventually leading to jams and malfunctions, and a mechanism for counting the number of sheets discharged to each bin to prevent jamming. Therefore, a stackover signal is issued when the maximum number of loaded sheets is reached, and the copy operation is stopped midway even if the copy is not completed completely.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, regardless of the set number of copies, in the mode (1 + 01 copy) in which one copy is first ejected, the lowermost part of the original stack placed on the original tray 101 is set. The copying is sequentially started from, and the original is circulated once while counting the number of originals to make one copy.

At this time, the separation sensor 1 is attached to the RDF 100.
09, a registration sensor (not shown), a switchback paper ejection sensor 110, and a closed-loop paper ejection sensor 111 are arranged. In the case of a small size (A4, B5 size, etc.), the documents separated by the separation unit as described above. After passing through the platen glass 501 in the counterclockwise direction, the sheet is returned to the original placing table 101 by the intermediate conveying rollers 106 and 107 and the tray discharge roller 108. The returned original is
The number of originals is incremented every time the originals are sequentially detected by the closed-loop paper ejection sensor 111.

In the case of the large size (A3, B4 size, etc.), the original conveying path is the same as the closed loop until it reaches the platen glass 501, and its diameter passes through the turn roller 112 and the switchback discharge roller 113. Then, it is returned to the original tray 101. The originals to be returned are sequentially detected by the switchback paper ejection sensor 110.

A partition member 114 is provided on the side of the document tray 101 to separate the boundary between the original document placed first and the original document returned after scanning is completed. The partition sensor 121 for detecting is configured to detect that the document has circulated once. When the above-mentioned one cycle is completed, the copy of one part and the count of the number of originals are completed. When the count result is 50 or less, as shown in the lower part of FIG. Sorting from the second bin to the nth bin is performed with the eyes at the home position. That is, a copy for the number of copies (in this embodiment, the first copy is 1 + 01 copies
Since the bins are already loaded in the bin, the number of copies minus 1) is continuously repeated, and when the sorting is completed in each bin, the originals are replaced, the above-mentioned copying operation is repeated, and a series of copying operations are completed.

Next, when the number of originals is 50 or more, since the capacity of the sorter 700 is 50 in each bin, as shown in the upper part of FIG. By sorting (skip sort) while skipping the bins one bin at a time so that the bins can accommodate as many copies as the number of originals, that is, from the last page of the number of originals to the third bin, the fifth bin, the seventh bin, .... Sort up to 51 pages and copy 50 pages to 1 page second
By skip-sorting into a bin, a fourth bin, a sixth bin, ..., Two adjacent bins, that is, the second bin in this embodiment.
Bin-third bin, fourth bin-fifth bin, sixth bin-seventh
With each bin as a pair, it is possible to store copies of the number of originals in the same page order.

Controllers CONT1 to CONT3 shown in FIG.
Can monitor the output of each sensor to detect the number of originals or the original thickness by a mechanism described later.
The number of stacked sheets set in each bin of 0 or the sheet bundle thickness corresponding to the stacked sheet number and the number of original sheets or the original sheet bundle thickness are used to sort 7
The storage of 00 in each bin is controlled, for example, as the following first to fifth.

First, since the control means changes the allocation of the storage section for storing the sheets in accordance with the number of stacked originals counted by the counting means during the first circulation of the originals,
It is possible to sort sheets optimally according to the number of documents.

Second, the storage unit in which the control unit stores sheets in accordance with whether the number of stacked documents counted by the counting unit during the first cycle of document transportation exceeds the maximum number of stored sheets set in the storage unit. Since the allocation of the sheets is changed, it is possible to optimally sort the sheets even when the number of documents that exceeds the maximum number of sheets that can be stored in the storage section is stacked.

Thirdly, in the case where the storage section for storing sheets is changed between the original conveyance of the first cycle and the original feeding of the second cycle, the second and subsequent cycles are performed for the originals having the maximum number of sheets or more. In the above, it is possible to sort the sheets by using the second storage unit in which the number of originals is equal to or smaller than the maximum number of stored sheets.

Fourthly, in the case where the storage portion for storing the sheets is changed between the first cycle of document transportation and the second cycle of document feeding,
After the second cycle for documents having the maximum number of documents stored or more, it is possible to sort the sheets by using a plurality of second storage units having the number of documents not more than the maximum storage number.

Fifth, in the case of changing the storage section for storing sheets between the first cycle of document transportation and the second cycle of document feeding, when the number of documents is greater than or equal to the maximum number of documents, the second and subsequent cycles are performed. In the above, it is possible to sort the sheets by using a plurality of adjacent second storage portions having the maximum number of originals that are equal to or less than the maximum number of sheets that can be stored.

In the above embodiment, when the number of originals is 51 or more, the n-th page to the 51st page are stacked in the lower bin among the adjacent upper and lower bins which overlap each other, and the 50th page is placed in the upper bin. The case of controlling the stacking of the first page to the first page has been described. However, as shown in FIG. 5, after the number of sheets is recognized at the time of copying the first cycle of the document, the adjacent upper and lower bins are overlapped. Among them, load the nth page to the ((n / 2) +1) th page in the lower bin and load the (n / 2) th page to the first page evenly in the upper bin. You may control. In this way, by evenly dividing the sheets and stacking them on the bin, when a sheet bundle on the bin is to be stapled, a series of copy bundles can be stapled by approximately the same amount, so that the consistency of appearance is improved. Can be maintained.

In the above embodiment, only the first bin is 1
Since it is possible to store 00 or more copy sheets, the first bin is 100 sheets, and the second and subsequent bins are second sheets.
Bin-third bin, fourth bin-fifth bin, sixth bin-seventh
A case has been described in which each bin can be loaded as a pair and up to 100 sheets can be stacked. For example, if the specifications of the sorter 700 can also stack up to 50 sheets for the first bin, that is, 50 sheets are unified for the first bin to the nth bin. In the case of the sorter 700 that can only be loaded up to, the copy sheet is ejected to the second bin at the time of the first partial 1 + 01 copy, and one original document is circulated while the copy is loaded in the second bin. When the copying of the eyes is completed, that is, when the number of originals is 50 or less, only the second bin is skipped in the copying of the second cycle of the originals, and the first bin, the third bin, the fourth bin, and the fifth bin. ... When the number of copies stacked in the second bin reaches 50 in the middle of the first cycle of copy of the original, that is, when the number of originals is 50 or more, the original 1
In the circulation cycle, from the nth page to the second bin (n-4
9) Copy up to nth (n> 50) originals using the first and second bins so that pages up to page 1 are stacked and pages (n-49) to 1 are stacked in the first bin. To load. At this point, the number of originals can be recognized.
In the second copy of the manuscript, by sorting (skipping sort) by skipping one bin, from the nth page to the (n-49) th page into the 4th bin, the 6th bin, the 8th bin ... Bin, (n -49) Sort pages 1 to 3 into 3rd bin, 5th bin, 7th bin, ...
First bin-second bin, third bin-fourth bin, fifth bin-
The sixth bin may be paired with each other and may be controlled so that copies of n-page originals are stacked.

If the RDF 100 has a spec of up to 150 sheets, the first cycle of the original copy may have 50 pages stacked in the third bin and over 50 pages. If it is determined that 50 pages of copies are continuously stacked in the second bin, and if it is determined that the original exceeds 100 pages, the remaining pages are further stacked in the first bin. When the count result is 50 pages or less, the second cycle of the copy is continuously performed for the set number of copies, and the copy is discharged to the first bin, the second bin, the fourth bin, the fifth bin, ....

If the count result exceeds 50 originals and 100
When the number of sheets is less than or equal to the number of sheets, copying of the second cycle of the original is continuously performed for the set number of copies, and the fifth page and the seventh page are set from the last page to the 51st page.
From page 50 to page 1 to bin 4, ... Discharge to bin 4, bin 6. In this case, the first bin is unused. When the count result is over 100 originals and 150 originals or less, copying of the second cycle of the originals is continuously performed for the set number of copies, and from the last page to 101st page, the 6th bin, the 9th bin, .... The pages 100 to 51 are discharged to the fifth bin, the eighth bin, ... And the pages 50 to 1 are discharged to the fourth bin, the seventh bin.

Hereinafter, the first document stacking control operation in the copying apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 14. [First Original Stacking Control] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a main processing procedure in the copying apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (14) indicate each step.

First, the turning on of the copy key for determining the start of the image forming operation is waited for (1), and when the copying key is turned on, the operation mode of the sorter 700 is set (2). Here, in order to store one copy sheet in the uppermost sort bin B1 of the sorter 700, the operation mode is the group mode, the initial signal for initializing the sorter 700 is set, and the operation start signal of the sorter 700 is set. The sorter start signal shown is set (a detailed description of the operation of the sorter 700 will be given later). Then, the count value NN of the copy counter indicating the number of image forming copies is set to "1"
Set to (3). Then, a main body process 1 routine described later is executed (4).

In the main processing 1, the image formation of the number of copies set by the copy counter is performed on the document stack placed on the RDF 100. At that time, the following process is repeated. That is, the original is fed onto the platen glass to be copied, the original is copied once, and the original is discharged from the platen glass to the original tray 101. This operation is performed for all originals. At this time, in the main body process 1, the document on the RDF 100 is circulated once, and the process of counting the number of documents is simultaneously executed.

Then, the sorter shift signal is set (5) and the sorter start signal is reset (6). As a result, the uppermost sort bin storage of the sorter 700 for a part of the copy sheet group performed on the document group placed on the RDF 100 is completed.

Then, one copy of the image formed is subtracted from the number of copies (N) to be copied (N ← N-1) (7), and it is determined whether the value is "0" (8). , YES, the process proceeds to step (13), after the processing of the main body 500 and each additional device is completed, various status states stored in the memory are cleared, and post-processing such as stopping the drive system is executed (14). ), And returns to step (1).

On the other hand, if the determination in step (8) is NO, the remaining number processing is executed, so the sorter shift signal is reset and the operating mode of the sorter 700 is set.
Here, in order to store the sheets after the copying process in the continuous bin of the sorter, the operation mode is set to the sort mode, the initial signal for initializing the sorter 700 is reset, and the sorter operation start is indicated. The start signal is set (9).

Next, the remaining number of copies, N, is substituted into the count value NN of the copy counter indicating the number of copies, and the value of the original copy counter ORG counted in the main processing 1 is substituted into the original copy buffer counter ORGCNCN (1
0). Then, the main body processing 2 routine described later is executed (11).

In the main body process 2, the copy process of the number of copies set by the copy counter is performed on the document stack placed on the RDF 100. At that time, the following process is repeated.

That is, the original is fed onto the platen glass to be copied, the set copy is performed several times on the original, and the original is discharged from the platen glass to the original tray 101. This operation is performed for all originals.
At this time, since the operation mode of the sorter 700 is the sorter mode, successive image-formed sheets for the same document are stored in different bins.

Then, after the main body processing 2 is completed, the sorter start signal is reset (12), and after the main body 500 and the processing of each additional device are completed (13), various status states stored in the memory are cleared and driven. Post-processing such as stopping the system is executed (14), and the process returns to step (1).

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of detailed procedure of the main body processing 1 routine shown in FIG. In addition,
(1)-(13) show each step.

First, a request for feeding a document onto the platen glass is output to the RDF 100 (1), and when the document feeding is completed (2), the document number counter ORGCN is incremented to count the number of documents. Yes (3).
At this time, it is judged whether or not the fed original is the final original (4). If NO, the process proceeds to step (6) and thereafter, and YES.
Then, the final document flag on the memory is set (5).

Next, an image forming processing routine for forming an image on the original placed on the platen glass is executed.

Although detailed description is omitted in this embodiment, the image forming process is performed by a sheet feeding unit of the main body 500, an image forming process by a known image forming method, and a sorter 700. Sheet ejection is executed for. After the image forming process is completed, a document discharge request is output to the RDF 100 (7), and the completion of document discharge is awaited (8).

When the document discharge is completed, it is checked whether or not the final document flag indicating the final document is set (9). If NO, the process returns to step (1), and if YES, the final document. The final document flag indicating that is reset (10), and then the count value NN of the copy counter is decremented by "1" (1
1), it is judged whether the value is "0" (12), YE
If S, the process is returned, and if NO, the original number counter ORGCCN (provided in the controller CONT2) is cleared (13), the process returns to step (1), and one copy is produced for each original until the final original is detected. Image formation is performed, and this is repeated by the value set in the copy counter. At this time, the original number counter ORGCCN
The number of documents is also measured.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of a detailed procedure of the main body processing 2 routine shown in FIG. In addition,
(1) to (12) show each step.

First, the contents of the copy counter NN are substituted into the copy buffer counter NNN (1), and the sorter shift direction inversion signal is reset (2). Next, a request to feed the original onto the platen glass is output to the RDF 100 (3), and the completion of the original feeding is waited (4). When the original feeding is completed, the image forming processing routine is executed ( 5) After the image forming process, set the content of the copy number buffer counter NNN to "1".
Decrement (6), copy buffer counter NNN
Is determined to be "0" (7). If NO, the process returns to step (5). If YES, the output of the sorter shift direction inversion signal is set (8) and the document discharge request is output (9). When the document discharge is completed (10), the content of the document number counter ORGCNCN is decremented by "1" (11), and it is determined whether the content of the document number counter ORGCNCN is "0" (12). Returning to (1), if YES, the process ends.

Thus, until the final document is detected,
Image formation is performed for each copy of the remaining copies.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of the document conveyance control procedure of the RDF 100 shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (6) indicate each step.

First, it is judged whether or not a document feeding request is detected (1), and if YES, a document feeding processing routine is executed (2). In the present embodiment, the document feeding process is to separate a single document from a document group placed on the document tray 101 of the RDF 100, and feed the document to the platen glass of the copying machine to set it at an arbitrary image forming position. This is a series of processes for stopping the operation, but detailed description thereof will be omitted in this embodiment.

Next, it is judged whether or not the output of the sensor has detected that the final document has been fed from the RDF 100 (3). If NO, the process proceeds to step (5) and thereafter, and YE
If S, the output of the final document signal is set (4), and if a document discharge request is output (5), document discharge processing is performed (6), and the process returns to step (1).

In the present embodiment, the document discharge process is a process in which a document on the platen glass of the main body 500 is fed to the RDF 100 and discharged onto the document tray 101. Detailed description will be given. Omit it.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the sorter mode processing procedure of the sorter 700 shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (8) indicate each step.

First, the controller CONT determines whether or not it has detected from the main body 500 that the "sorter start signal" indicating that sheet ejection has started.
2 determines (1), and when it detects that the sorter start signal is transmitted, it determines whether or not the non-sort mode is set (2), and if YES, executes a non-sort processing routine described later ( 3), step (1)
Return to.

On the other hand, if the judgment in step (2) is NO, it is judged whether or not the sort mode is set (4), and if the judgment is YES, the sort processing routine described later is executed (5), and the step is executed. Return to (1).

On the other hand, if the judgment in step (4) is NO, it is judged whether or not the group mode is set (6). If the judgment is YES, the group processing routine described later is executed (7), and the step Returning to (1), if NO, the stack processing routine described later is executed (8), and the process returns to step (1).

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of the detailed procedure of the non-sort processing routine shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (7) indicate each step. First,
In order to store the sheets in the uppermost bin, the bin unit is lowered to the non-sort home position as the bin initialization (1). Then, the flapper is switched to select the upper non-sorted conveyance path as the sheet conveyance path inside the sorter (2). This flapper has a drive solenoid (not shown) to switch it,
When normally off, it is at a position for selecting the lower sort conveyance path, and when the drive solenoid is turned on, the non-sort conveyance path is selected.

Next, the carry motor is turned on until it detects that the output of the path sensor is in the OFF state, and is turned on until the sorter start signal is in the OFF state (3) to (5). Next, the carry motor is turned off (6), the flapper is turned off (7), and the process is ended.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of the detailed procedure of the sort processing routine shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (15) indicate each step.

First, the controller CONT3 checks whether or not there is a bin initial signal for storing sheets from the uppermost bin (1), and if NO, the step (3).
After that, if YES, the bin unit is lowered to the non-sort home position as the bin initialization (2).

Next, the conveyance motor is turned on (3), and the controller CONT3 determines whether the pass sensor is in the ON state (4). If NO, the process proceeds to step (12) and thereafter, and if YES, the discharged sheet is processed. The aligning rod of the sorter bin is moved to the retracted position to perform the aligning operation later (5).

After that, when it is detected that the pass sensor is off (6), the aligning rod is moved to the aligning position to perform the aligning operation to the sheet (7). Next, it is determined whether or not the shift direction inversion signal is output (8), and if YES, the process proceeds to step (15) to invert the shift down direction flag indicating the shift direction in the sorter 700 (the bin shift operation is not performed. ), And returns to step (12).

On the other hand, in the case of NO in step (8), the aligning rod is moved to the retracted position (9), and it is determined whether or not the shift down flag indicating the shift direction in the sorter 700 is set ( 10), 1 for YES
The bin is lowered (11), and in the case of NO, it is raised by 1 bin (14), and the process returns to step (12).

Next, it is judged whether or not the sorter start signal is in the ON state (12), and if YES, the step (4)
If NO, the transport motor is stopped (13), and the sorting process is ended.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing an example of a detailed procedure of the group processing routine shown in FIG.
Note that (1) to (12) indicate each step.

First, it is determined whether or not the bin initial signal for storing sheets from the uppermost bin is in the ON state (1). If NO, the process proceeds to step (3) and thereafter, and YES.
Then, as bin initialization (2), the bin unit is lowered to the non-sort home position. Next, the conveyance motor is turned on (3), and then it is determined whether or not the pass sensor is in the on state (4). If NO, the process proceeds to step (11) and thereafter, and if YES, the aligning operation is performed later on the discharged sheet. In order to perform the above, the aligning rod is moved to the retracted position (5). After that, it waits until the pass sensor is turned off (6), and when the pass sensor is turned off, the aligning rod is moved to the aligning position to perform the aligning operation on the sheet (7).

Then, it is judged whether the bin shift signal is in the ON state (8), if NO, the process proceeds to step (11) and thereafter, and if YES, the aligning rod is moved to the retracted position (9),
1 bin shift (10), sorter start signal is O
It is judged whether or not the state is N (11). If YES, the process returns to step (4), and if NO, the conveyance motor is turned off (1
2), the process ends.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an example of a detailed procedure of the stack processing routine shown in FIG.
Note that (1) to (12) indicate each step.

First, it is determined whether or not the bin initial signal for storing sheets from the uppermost bin is in the ON state (1). If NO, the process proceeds to step (3) and thereafter, and YE
If S, the bin is initialized (2) and the bin unit is lowered to the non-sort home position. Next, the conveyance motor is turned on (3), and then it is determined whether or not the pass sensor is in the on state (4). If NO, the process proceeds to step (11) and thereafter, and if YES, the aligning operation is performed later on the ejected sheet. In order to perform the above, the aligning rod is moved to the retracted position (5).

After that, it waits until the pass sensor is turned off (6), and when the pass sensor is turned off,
The aligning rod is moved to the aligning position to perform the aligning operation to the sheet (7).

Next, it is determined whether the number of stored bins in the bin being stored has reached the upper limit, that is, whether the bin is fully loaded (8). If NO, step (1)
After 1), if YES, the aligning rod is moved to the retracted position (9), 1 bin shift is performed (10), it is determined whether the sorter start signal is in the ON state (11), and if YES, step (4) ), And if NO, turn on the transport motor.
The FF is performed (12), and the process ends.

The second original stacking control operation in the copying apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. [Second Original Stacking Control] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a main processing procedure in the copying apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (16) indicate each step.

First, waiting for the copy key which determines the start of the copy operation to be turned on (1), when the copy key is turned on,
The operation mode of the sorter 700 is set (2). Here, in order to store one copy sheet in the uppermost sort bin B1 of the sorter 700, the operation mode is the group mode, the initial signal for initializing the sorter 700 is set, and the operation start signal of the sorter 700 is set. The sorter start signal shown is set (a detailed description of the operation of the sorter 700 will be given later). Then, the count value NN of the copy counter indicating the number of image forming copies is set to "1" (3). Then, a main body process 1 routine described later is executed (4).

In the main body process 1, the image formation of the number of copies set by the number of copies counter is performed on the document stack placed on the RDF 100. At that time, the following process is repeated. That is, the original is fed onto the platen glass to be copied, the original is copied once, and the original is discharged from the platen glass to the original tray 101. At this time, in the main body process 1, the document on the RDF 100 is circulated once, and the process of counting the number of documents is simultaneously executed.

Then, the sorter shift signal is set (5) and the sorter start signal is reset (6). As a result, the uppermost sort bin storage of the sorter 700 for a part of the copy sheet group performed on the document group placed on the RDF 100 is completed.

Next, one copy that has been copied is subtracted from the number (N) to be copied (N ← N-1) (7), and it is determined whether the value is "0" (8), If YES, the process proceeds to step (15), and after the processing of the main body 500 and each additional device is completed, various statuses stored in the memory are cleared and post-processing such as stopping the drive system is executed (16). , Return to step (1).

On the other hand, if the decision in step (8) is NO, the number of originals counted in the main processing 1 (the value counted by the original number counter ORGCNCN) is the sorter 70.
It is determined whether or not the number of bins BINVOL that can be stored is 0 (9). If NO, the process proceeds to step (11) and thereafter, and if YES, a sorter skip signal to be described later is set (10).

Then, the sorter shift signal is reset,
Set the operation mode etc. of the sorter 700. Here,
The operation mode is set to the sort mode in order to store the sheets after the copy processing in the continuous bin of the sorter 700. Further, the initial signal for initializing the sorter 700 is reset, and the sorter start signal indicating the operation start of the sorter 700 is set (11).

Next, N, which is the remaining number of copies, is substituted into the count value NN of the copy counter indicating the number of copies, and the value of the original number counter ORGCN counted in the main body process 1 is substituted into the original number buffer counter ORGCNCN (12). ). Then, the main body processing 2 routine described later is executed (13).

In the main body process 2, the copy process of the number of copies set by the copy counter is performed on the document stack placed on the RDF 100, in which case the following process is repeated.

That is, the original is fed onto the platen glass for copying, the copy is performed for the original several times, and the original is discharged from the platen glass to the RDF 100. At this time, the operation mode of the sorter 700 is
Since the mode is the sort mode, successive copied sheets for the same original document are stored in different bins. After the main body process 2 is completed, the sorter start signal is reset (1
4), after the processing of the main body 500 and each additional device is completed (15),
Clears various status states stored in memory,
Post-processing such as stopping the drive system is executed (16), and the process returns to step (1).

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing an example of a detailed procedure of the main body processing 2 routine shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (15) indicate each step.

First, the contents of the copy counter NN are substituted into the copy buffer counter NNN (1), and the sorter shift direction inversion signal is reset (2). Next, a request to feed the original onto the platen glass is output to the RDF 100 (3), and the completion of the original feeding is waited (4). When the original feeding is completed, the one-bin up shift signal is reset. (5) The image forming processing routine described above is executed (6), and after the image forming processing, the contents of the copy number buffer counter NNN is decremented by "1" (7), and whether the copy number buffer counter NNN becomes "0". If it is NO, the process returns to step (6). If YES, the output of the sorter shift direction inversion signal is set (9), the document discharge request is output (10), and when the document discharge is completed ( 11) The content of the original number counter ORGCNCN is decremented by "1" (12), and the content of the original number counter ORGCNCN is set to 1.
It is determined whether or not the contents of the bin-holdable number BINVOL match (13). If NO, the process proceeds to step (15) and thereafter, and if YES, a 1-bin up shift signal is set (14).

As a result, the position of the storage bin on the sorter 700 side can be raised by one bin and, for example, when the sorter skip signal is output, the third bin> the fifth bin> the seventh bin> the ninth bin> ... In this case, by outputting the 1-bin up shift signal, the sorter 700 side moves up by 1 bin and the second bin> the fourth bin> the sixth bin> the eighth bin> ...

Next, the document number counter ORGCNCN
It is determined whether the content of is 0 or not (15). If NO, the process returns to step (1), and if YES, the process ends.
As a result, image formation is performed for each remaining copy for each copy until the final copy is detected.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing an example of the detailed procedure of the first sort processing routine shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (23) indicate each step.

First, the controller CONT3 checks whether or not there is a bin initial signal for storing sheets from the uppermost bin (1), and if NO, the step (3).
After that, if YES, the bin unit is lowered to the non-sort home position as the bin initialization (2). Next, it is determined whether or not the skip signal is in the ON state (3). If NO, the process proceeds to step (5) and thereafter, and Y
In case of ES, the bin is increased by 1 bin (4).

Then, the carry motor is turned on (5), and the controller CONT3 determines whether the pass sensor is in the ON state (6). If NO, the process proceeds to step (18) and thereafter, and if YES, the discharged sheet is processed. The aligning rod is moved to the retracted position to perform the aligning operation later (7).
After that, when it is detected that the pass sensor is off (8), the aligning rod is moved to the aligning position to perform the aligning operation to the sheet (9). Next, it is determined whether or not the 1-bin up shift signal is in the ON state (10). If NO, the process proceeds to step (12) and thereafter, and if YES, the bin is raised by 1 bin (1
1).

Then, it is determined whether or not the shift direction inversion signal is output (12), and if YES, the process proceeds to step (23), where the shift down direction flag indicating the shift direction in the sorter 700 is inverted (bin shift operation). Is not performed), and the process returns to step (18).

On the other hand, if the determination in step (12) is NO, the aligning rod is moved to the retracted position (13) and the sorter 70 is moved.
It is determined whether or not the shift down flag indicating the shift direction at 0 is set (14). If YES, the bin is lowered by 1 bin (15), and the skip signal is set to O.
It is judged whether or not it is in the N state (16), if NO, the process proceeds to step (18) and thereafter, and if YES, the bin is lowered by 1 bin (17), and it is judged whether the sorter start signal is in the ON state (18). , YES, the process returns to step (6), and if NO, the carry motor is stopped (19) and the sorting process is ended.

On the other hand, if NO in step (14),
That is, if the shift down direction flag is not set, it is increased by 1 bin (20), it is determined whether the skip signal is in the ON state (21), and if NO, the step (1
8) Afterward, if YES, the bin is raised by 1 bin (22), and it is determined whether the sorter start signal is in the ON state (18). If YES, the process returns to step (6), N
If it is O, the carry motor is stopped (19) and the sorting process is ended.

In the above embodiment, copying and counting of the number of sheets are carried out while one original is being circulated, and 2 sheets are printed in accordance with the number of sheets.
The case where the stacking method after the circulation is variable and the copy output side can cope with a small number of sheets and a large number of sheets of documents has been described. However, for example, only a predetermined bin (first bin of the sorting bin) is processed. The maximum number of sheets to be loaded in the apparatus can be stored, and the subsequent (second and subsequent bins) bins are half (in this embodiment, up to 100 originals can be accommodated, and the first bin on the output side is 100). It is possible to store more than 50 sheets and up to 50 sheets from the second bin onward, and when the copy paper of the first circulation of the original is sorted into the bin, skip sort is always performed from the first bin of the sort bin (odd Bin, 1st bin, 3rd bin, 5th bin, 7th bin, 9th bin ...) and the number of sheets exceeds the maximum number of sheets that can be loaded from the 2nd bin onward of the sorter 700. Sort bin 1 skip sort from bin th to even bin (second, fourth, sixth bottles, eighth bin, ...) be controlled to perform, it is possible to respond to a large number of sheets document.

In this case, if the set number of copies is n, then n
Is an even number, the first, third, fifth, seventh,
If the copy sheets are stacked by skip sort on the bins 2n-1 and the number of originals is equal to or smaller than the number of bins (50 sheets) at the end of the first circulation, the second original is returned in the second circulation.
It is sufficient to stack the 4th, 6th, 8th, ... 2n bins by skip sort. When there are 50 or more originals, the 1st bin, the 2nd bin, the 4th bin, the 6th bin, Eighth bin, ...
Copy papers are sorted into the 2n bins for the remaining originals in the 1st cycle, and when the 1st cycle is completed, the 2nd cycle is started, and the copy sheets are first copied to the n + 2, n + 4, ..., 2n bins. 50 sheets of originals are ejected by skip sort, and copies of the remaining originals are n + 1, n + 3, ... 2
The copy sheets may be loaded in each n-1 bin, and when the set number n is an odd number, copy sheets are first loaded into each of the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and nth bins. If the originals are equal to or smaller than the number of bins (50 sheets) at the time of stacking by skip sort and the first circulation is completed, the second, fourth, sixth, eighth, ... Copy papers for the remaining originals in the first cycle are sorted into the respective bins of -1, and the second cycle is started when the first cycle is completed.
.., 2n-1, bins n + 2, n + 4, ..., 2n-1 are skip-sorted corresponding to the first 50 originals, and copies of the remaining originals are loaded in the bins n + 1, n + 3 ,. You may control. This makes it possible to perform sheet post-processing for a small number of documents and a large number of documents.

In the above embodiment, the number of originals is counted and the sorting method on the copy paper output side is made variable. However, the number of copy papers is counted so as to be output in the first circulation of the original, and the second circulation is performed. The following sorting method may be controlled to be variable.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the first bin (predetermined bin) is the same as the maximum number of placed originals (RDF100) and the second bin and subsequent bins are half of that is explained. Half of the maximum number of originals placed,
At the time of the first copy of the first circulation, loading is started from the second bin, copy sheets for the maximum specifications on the RDF 100 side are stored in the first bin and the second bin, and the number of sheets is counted. You may control.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the number of sheets accommodated on the copy sheet output side is half of the maximum specification on the original side.
As described above, the configuration is made to be 1/3 and 1/4, and the output paper storage side is skipped by skipping 2 bins or 3 bins to skip a small number of originals. It is possible to execute sheet post-processing for a large number of documents.

As described above, in the copying machine configured as shown in FIG. 1, for example, the first sorting control means (controller CONT2) rearranges the sheet for the original fed at the time of the first circulation feeding. While sorting and outputting to the predetermined discharge bin of the processing means, the counting means counts the number of originals fed during the first circulation feeding, and the counted number of originals and each remaining except the predetermined discharge bin. The allowable number of stored sheets set in the discharge bin is compared with each other, and at each circulation feeding after the second circulation feeding, the second sorting control means (controller CONT2) makes a plurality of sheets so as not to exceed the permitted number of stored sheets. Since the sheets are sorted and output while being sorted into the discharge bins, it is possible to change to the copy processing of the first circulation of the original feeding without performing the special original number counting processing in advance. It is possible to separate, it is possible to document container number is efficiently sorting output without reducing the sheet copy processing efficiency of the desired number of copies from originals that exceeds the sorter loading allowable number.

Further, the second sorting control means (controller CONT2) sorts and outputs to two adjacent discharge bins so as not to exceed the allowable number of stored sheets at each circulation feeding after the second circulation feeding. With this configuration, it is easy to collect a desired number of sheets from a document in which the number of documents that can be stored exceeds the sorter stackable number, and it is possible to sort and output the pages in a uniform page order.

Further, the second sorting control means (controller CONT2), based on the output of the counting means, at the time of each circulation feeding after the second circulation feeding, the two adjacent ejection means are arranged so as not to exceed the allowable storage number. Since it is configured to sort and output the sheets to the paper bin in an approximately equal number, the thickness of the separated sheet bundle can be equalized, and the appearance of the separated stapled sheets can be adjusted.

Further, the second sorting control means (controller CONT2) determines whether the second sorting control means is based on the output of the counting means.
When circulating feeding, the specified number of output bins is sequentially skipped and the sheets corresponding to the same original are sorted and output while sorting. It is possible to sort in a state where the number of copies exceeds the allowable number of sheets to be stacked and the page order is uniform.

Further, at each circulation feeding after the second circulation feeding, the number of sorted paper discharging bins used by the determining means (controller CONT2) is compared with the total number of paper discharging bins excluding a predetermined paper discharging bin, When the settable number of manuscripts is determined, the correction unit (controller CONT2) is configured to automatically correct the set number of copies based on the output of the determination unit. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently perform the post-processing of the optimum number of sheets using the total discharge bin. Can be done well.

Therefore, it is possible to efficiently obtain a desired number of copies from the number of originals exceeding the sheet stacking capacity of each discharge bin without changing the conventional stacking capacity of the discharge bins. .

Next, a copying apparatus of another embodiment will be described.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view showing the overall construction of the copying apparatus according to the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 300 denotes an automatic document processor (RDF), which is a controller CON described later.
The configuration is generally controlled by T1, and the details will be described later. The copy process of the main body 500 is the same as that shown in FIG.

According to the copying apparatus having such a configuration, the setting control means (controllers CONT1 to CONT3) is based on the approximate number of sheet originals detected by the detecting means (partitioning member 22) before the originals are fed. The document processing device 3 is arranged so that the image processing time for the sheet document is shortened.
00 and the sheet post-processing apparatus (sorter 700) are selectively set and controlled, so that it is possible to start the copying process in the shortest time according to the approximate number of sheet documents stacked on the document table. .

Further, since the detecting means (partition member 22) detects the approximate number of sheets based on the thickness of the sheet originals stacked on the original table, it is optimal for original processing and recording media without feeding the originals. It is possible to detect the number of documents required to select the process.

Further, setting control means (controllers CONT1 to CONT3) based on the approximate number of sheet originals detected by the detecting means (partitioning member 22) before feeding the originals.
Controls the feed path destination from the document processing apparatus so that the document processing time for the sheet document is shortened, so that the shortest feed path is selected according to the approximate number of sheet documents stacked on the document table. Then, the copy process can be started.

Further, according to the sixth copying apparatus, since the detecting means (partitioning member 22) detects the approximate number of sheets based on the thickness of the sheet originals stacked on the original table, the originals are not fed. It is possible to detect the number of documents required to select the optimum document feeding destination.

Further, setting control means (controller CO
NT1 to NT3), when the detecting means detects that the thickness of the sheet document stacked on the document table is less than or equal to a predetermined thickness,
Since the first feeding path is selected and set as the feeding destination from the document table, high throughput copy processing is possible even when the number of documents stacked on the document table is small.

The setting control means (controller CON
T1 to 3), when the detecting means (partitioning member 22) detects that the thickness of the sheet document stacked on the document table is equal to or greater than the predetermined thickness, selects the sheet discharge sorting mode of the sheet post-processing device as the skip mode. Since the setting is made, it is possible to surely select and set the optimum paper discharge sorting mode before starting the document feeding.

Thus, after the document is placed on the document processing device in the copying apparatus, the bundle thickness or the amount of the document bundle placed before the copy operation is started can be recognized to some extent in advance. A means for detecting the thickness (amount) is provided, and the sheet handling method on the original processing device side and the sorting method on the copy post-processing device side can be operated in an optimal sequence before the copy start depending on the detected bundle thickness (amount). The present invention enables a copying apparatus capable of performing preprocessing.

Specifically, when the number of originals is 4 to 5 or less, the bundle thickness of originals and the maximum number of originals per bin on the sorter side can be accommodated. For example, 50 bins per sorter bin can be accommodated. In such a case, by installing an about-sheet-bundle detecting means capable of detecting a bundle thickness equal to or more than about 50 originals on the original processing apparatus side, the total copy is completed at the time of copying a small number of originals and a small number of copies (mainly one copy). The time can be relatively shortened (improvement in productivity), and for the originals longer than that, the flow reading mode and the continuous feed fixed reading mode with a fast original exchange time can be effectively used.

Further, it is possible to cope with document copies exceeding the maximum number of sheets that can be accommodated per bin of the sorter by skip sort (a series of copy bundles can be processed over two adjacent bins). Sorter 1
The number of originals that can be stored in the bin can be processed in the same manner as the conventional sorting method. The circulation type document feeder 2 of the present invention has a document tray 4 on the upper side, and a wide belt 7 wound around a drive roller 36 and another turn roller 37 is arranged below the document tray 4. This wide belt 7
Is in contact with the platen 3 of the copying machine main body 1 and conveys the sheet original P placed on the original tray 4 and places it on a predetermined position on the platen 3 or the sheet on the platen 3. The document P is carried out onto the document tray 4.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view for explaining the detailed structure of the document processing apparatus (RDF) 300 shown in FIG.

As shown in this figure, the document tray 4 has
A pair of width direction regulating plates 33 are slidably arranged in the width direction of the sheet document P to regulate the width direction of the sheet document P placed on the document tray 1 so that the sheet document P is fed. And the consistency at the time of carrying out onto the document tray 1 are ensured. A jogging mechanism, which will be described later, is built in the width-direction restricting plate 33, and the sheet originals P conveyed onto the original tray 4 are pressed one by one against the original reference guide 33 to further enhance the consistency. . further,
A document tray raising / lowering mechanism, which will be described later, is configured to swing between FIGS. 19 and 20 about the swing center.

Further, adjacent to the document tray 4, a half-moon shaped feed roller 5 and a stopper 21 which moves up and down by a stopper solenoid 108 (see FIG. 5) are provided.

Further, the sheet original P when set on the original tray 4 is restricted by the protruding stopper 21 so that it cannot be advanced downstream. Then, when the copy condition is input through the operation unit of the copying apparatus (main body) 500 and the start key is pressed, the stopper 21 is pressed.
Is depressed and the path of the sheet document P is released, and the sheet document P is fed by the paper feed roller 5 and advances to the downstream portion.
At this time, the partition member 22 connected to the partition member motor 1105 (see FIG. 23) built in the document reference guide 33 on the document tray 4 is rotated and set on the sheet document P, and the unprocessed document Distinguish from processed documents.

At the downstream side of the stopper 21, there are arranged a conveying roller 38 and a separating belt 6 which form a separating portion, and one sheet original P that has been rotated in the arrow direction and advanced from the original tray 4 is provided. Each is separated and further transported to the downstream side.

A weight 20 is provided above the stopper 21, and the number of sheet originals P on the original tray 4 is small, and the sheet originals P are separated by the feeding force of the paper feed roller 5. If you can not advance to, move to the lower by Weight Solade 1109 (see Figure 23),
The sheet original P is sandwiched between the sheet feeding roller 6 and the sheet feeding roller 5 to improve the feeding force.

Further, the weight 20 described above plays a role of a bundle thickness detecting means for a bundle of documents placed on the document tray 4, which is a structure necessary for achieving the present invention. Below, FIG.
2 and the transport path drive mechanism diagram shown in FIG. 23, the document processing apparatus 30 shown in FIG.
The operation of 0 will be described in more detail.

FIG. 22 is a schematic view for explaining the conveyance path of the RDF 300 shown in FIG.

As shown in this figure, the separating parts 6, 38
Document feed path (a) from the above to the platen 501,
(B) and (C) are configured, and the document feeding paths (A), (B), and (C) are bent and connected to the conveying path on the platen 501, and the sheet document P is placed on the platen 501. Induce to.

In addition, entrance sensors 23a and 23b, which are transmissive optical sensors for detecting the presence or absence of the sheet original P placed on the original tray 4, are arranged near the paper feed roller 5. A large roller 10 is arranged on the left side of the main body of the RDF 300, and original discharge paths (e), (f) extending from the platen 3 around the outer periphery of the large roller 10 and extending above the original tray 4 are provided. It is configured.

Further, a document reversing path (e) for diverging from the upper side of the large rollers 10 of the document discharging paths (e) and (f) to reverse the front and back of the screen document is formed (FIG. 2).
2), the downstream portion of the document reversing path (e) is configured to join with the document feeding path (b).

Further, a relay roller 44 and a paper discharge roller 11 are provided on the downstream side of the document discharge path (f), and the sheet conveyed through the document discharge path (e), (f). The document P is carried to the top of the document stack P on the document tray 4. The wide belt 7 arranged above the platen 501 is
The sheet document P is conveyed and placed at a predetermined position on the platen 501, and is unloaded from the platen 501 after the image is read. A feeding roller 9 is provided at the confluence of the document feeding paths (a), (b) and (c) and the document reversing path (e).
The conveying roller 9 forms a loop on the arrived sheet original P to prevent the sheet original P from being shielded from light.

Further, in the vicinity of the upstream side of the conveying roller 9, paper feed sensors 25a and 25b, which are transmissive optical sensors for detecting the front end and the rear end of the sheet original P, are arranged, and the original feeding path is provided. It is possible to detect the sheet document P that has passed any of the conveyance paths (a), (b), (c) and the document reversing path (e).

Further, registration sensors 39a and 39b, which are transmissive optical sensors for detecting the trailing edge of the sheet document P, are disposed downstream of the feeding roller 9.

Below the large rollers 10 in the document discharge paths (e), (f), reversal sensors 26a, 26b, which are transmissive optical sensors for detecting the sheet document P carried out from the platen 501. In addition, in the document discharge path (f) between the large roller 10 and the discharge roller 11, a sheet document that passes through the document discharge path (f) and is discharged onto the document tray 4 Discharge sensors 27a and 27b, which are transmissive optical sensors that detect the passage of P, are provided.

Further, a reversing flapper 34 for switching the path is provided at a portion branched from the document discharge paths (e) and (f) to the document reversing path (e), and the reversing flapper solenoid 1110. ON (see FIG. 23 described later)
・ By turning OFF, the path is switched by swinging between the solid and shaded positions in the figure.

Further, on the right side of the main body of the RDF 300, there is provided a second document separating means for conveying the sheet document from the right end of the platen glass to the image reading section on the platen 501, a second document feeding path (h), (I) and (t) are configured, and the document tray 4 swings in conjunction with a vertical swinging operation of the document tray 4 described later, with the positions shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 as the upper limit and lower limit positions. Is configured.

When the document tray 4 is at the lower limit position as shown in FIG. 20, the half-moon shaped second paper feed roller 8 and the transport roller 1 constituting the second separating portion are adjacent to the lower limit position.
5 and a separation belt 14 are provided to separate the sheet originals P, which rotate in the directions of the arrows and have advanced from the original tray 4, sheet by sheet and convey them further downstream.

Further, the document tray 4 is configured to take an upper limit position or a lower limit position depending on the size of the document placed on the tray and the input condition for copying. When the document tray 4 reaches the lower limit position, the above-mentioned stopper 2 of the document tray 4
The sheet document P, 1 of which is placed on the document tray 4, is conveyed to the second separating unit side by a certain distance.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a transport path driving mechanism of the RDF 300 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 23, reference numeral 1100 is a first separating motor, and this separating motor 1100 drives the conveying roller 38 and the separating belt 6 which are separating sections in the direction of the arrow in the figure. The belt motors 1102 drive the drive rollers 36 that drive the wide belt 7, respectively.
The rotation of 6 is transmitted to the turn roller 37 by the wide belt 2. Reference numerals 1113 and 1114 are clutches.

A brake 1112 is provided on the motor shaft of the belt motor 1102 to compensate for the position of the wide belt 2 when it is stopped. The reversing motor 1101 is
The large roller 10 and the discharge roller 11 are driven.

Reference numeral 1103 denotes a second separating motor. The separating motor 1103 drives the conveying roller 15 and the separating belt 14 which are the second separating portion in the direction of the arrow in the figure.

Reference numeral 1104 is for driving the second feeding roller 16 and the relay roller 17. A clock disk 110 having a plurality of slits formed on the shaft of each motor.
0a, 1101a, 1102a, 1103a, 1104
a is provided, and clock sensors 1100b, 1101b, 1102b, 1103b, 1 for generating pulses by recognizing each slit by a transmission type optical sensor.
104b etc. are respectively provided.

The rotation of each motor is controlled by the clock sensors 1100b, 1101b, 1102b, 1103b, 1
By counting the number of clocks by 104b, the rotation amount of each conveying roller can be measured, and the movement amount of the sheet document P can be detected.

Reference numeral 1110 denotes a reversing flapper solenoid for swinging the reversing flapper 34.
At the time of F, the reversing flapper 34 is at the solid line position in the figure, and the sheet document P passing through the document discharge paths (e) and (f) shown in FIG. 22 is carried out onto the document tray 4, and at the time of ON, the document is discharged. The sheet document P passing through the paper paths (e) and (f) is guided to the document inversion path (e).

The stopper solenoid 1108 drives the stopper 21 so as to move up and down. When the stopper solenoid 1108 is OFF, the stopper solenoid 1108 is located at the position shown in the figure to prevent the original bundle P on the original tray 1 from advancing to the downstream side. It sinks and opens the path of the sheet document P (see FIG. 24).

Reference numeral 1109 denotes a weight solenoid that swings the weight 20 up and down. The weight solenoid 1109 is in the position shown in the figure when the weight is OFF, and when the weight is ON, the weight 20 is lowered downward so that the sheet document P is placed on the sheet feeding roller 5. By pressing, the carrying force of the paper feed roller 5 is increased. 1111
Indicates a document stopper solenoid, which swings the document stopper 19 up and down. The document stopper solenoid is at the position shown by the solid line in the OFF state and moved to the position shown by the broken line in the figure when it is turned on.

Next, the swing operation of the document tray 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

Reference numeral 1107 denotes a tray swinging motor, and the motor output shaft is connected to the tray swinging arm 48. A tray swing shaft 47 is engaged with the lower surface of the document tray 4. The tray swinging shaft 47 is engaged with the tip of the tray swinging arm 48, and the opposite side of the tray swinging arm 48 is fixed to the tray swinging arm shaft. The swing arm 48 swings between FIGS. 19 and 20, and swings the document tray 4 around the swing center 40.

Reference numeral 51 denotes an upper limit switch for detecting that the document tray 4 has reached the upper position, and 52 denotes a lower limit switch for detecting that the document tray 4 has reached the lower position. The rotation of 1107 is controlled by detecting the upper and lower limit switches 51 and 52.

Next, the bundle conveying means on the original tray 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

Reference numeral 1106 is a stopper slide motor,
The stopper 21 is moved in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 20 to convey the sheet document P to the second separating portions 14 and 15, and after conveyance, returns to the initial position.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, which will be described later, every time the sheet document is discharged from the sheet discharge roller 11 onto the document tray 4, the stopper 21 is provided at the rear end of the sheet document to the second separating portion side. Sheet document P on document tray 4
It is configured so that the consistency in the transport direction of can be improved.

The swing mechanism and swing operation of the document tray 4 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 24 to 26.

24 to 26 are views for explaining the swing mechanism and swing operation of the document tray 4 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 24, an eccentric cam 43 is provided by a stopper slide base 41 via a link 42 in guides 60, 61 (see FIG. 24) arranged on the original tray 4.
Is moved by the rotation of the roller 46 (FIGS. 24 to 26).
reference). The eccentric cam 43 is provided with a flag 53 for detecting the home position position (FIG. 24) and a transmissive sensor 45. When the document tray 4 reaches the lower limit position, the sheet document stopper 19 is swung upward by the solenoid 1111 (see FIG. 23) around the support shaft 31 and receives the sheet document P bundle-conveyed by the bundle conveying means. The sheet original P conveyed in a bundle is always the second
The sheet is conveyed to a position where the transmission type optical sensors 28a and 28b for detecting the presence or absence of the sheet document arranged near the upstream side of the separating means detect the presence of the sheet (see FIG. 21).

When the bundle conveyance is completed, the sheet original document stopper 19 is placed on the sheet original document P. A second feeding roller 16 is disposed on the downstream side of the second separating means (second separating portions 14 and 15), and the second feeding roller 16 reaches the sheet original P that has arrived. A loop is formed to prevent the sheet original P from being skewed.
Near the upstream side of the second feeding roller 16, second sheet feeding sensors 30a and 30b, which are transmissive optical sensors for detecting the front edge and the rear edge of the sheet document P, are arranged.

Further, there is a relay roller 17 on the downstream side. Transmission type optical sensors 18a and 18b for detecting the front end position of the sheet document P are provided in the second feeding path (ta), and the image destination sensors 18a and 18b are provided inside the copying machine. The feeding timing of the sheet material on which the image is formed is controlled.

The stopper mechanism of the document tray 4 shown in FIG. 19 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28.

27 and 28 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the stopper mechanism of the document tray 4 shown in FIG.

As shown in these figures, when the bottom sheet is conveyed by the rotation of the second half-moon roller 8 until separation, when the number of copies is set to 1 by the input key in the copying machine. , The sheet original stopper 19 remains placed on the sheet original P as shown in FIG.
The sheet document discharged by 1 is regulated so as not to enter the second separating unit. Then, when the number of copies is set to n by the input key on the copying apparatus (when one copy of sheet original is circulated n times), the sheet original stopper 19 is
As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the sheet original is (n-1)
The sheet original stopper 19 is placed on the sheet original when the first sheet original of the n-th circulation is reloaded on the original tray 4 until it circulates. Regulate entry into the separation section. At the end of the n circulation, the leading edge of the sheet original P is regulated by the sheet original stopper 19 as shown in FIG. After that, the document tray 4 moves upward and stops at the upper limit position. The number of copies is 1 on the copy device with the input key.
Even when the sheet is set as a copy, the leading edge is regulated by the sheet document stopper 19 as shown in FIG.

The partition member 22 of the document tray 4 shown in FIG. 19 will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 30 is a sectional view of an essential part for explaining the construction of the partition member 22 of the document tray 4 shown in FIG.

In the figure, on the output shaft 117 of the partition member motor 1105 shown in FIG. 23, the partition flag 119 supported freely in the rotational direction and the output shaft 117 are provided.
A partition lever 120 that is fixed to and that drives the partition flag 119 to rotate is coaxially arranged.

As shown in the figure, the partition flag 119 has a part of its circumference cut, and a partition member 7 made of a flexible material such as a polyester film or a leaf spring is provided on the circumference. It is fixed and rotates on the output shaft 117 integrally with the partition flag 119.

Further, since the center of gravity of the partition flag 119 is on the partition member 22 side, the partition lever 120
When the drive of the partition member is not applied, the partition member 2 is driven by its own weight.
Stop when 2 is directly below. Reference numeral 121 denotes a partition sensor, which detects the partition flag 119 to determine the position of the partition member 7.

As shown in FIG. 30 (a), when the sheet originals P are fully loaded on the original tray 1, the distance between the end surface of the sheet originals P and the mounting portion of the partitioning member 22 is short and the partitioning member 22 does not move smoothly. Since it is strong, the partition member 22 does not deform and is configured to be flat along the sheet document P as shown in the figure.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 30 (b), when the number of sheet originals P stacked on the original tray 4 is small, if the partition member has a conventional rigidity, the tip of the member is Since the sheet is stopped while being in contact with the surface of the sheet document P, the partition member is lifted up at the end portion of the document due to a gap between the partition member and the surface of the document. Conventionally, when the sheet document P is reloaded above the partition member, the leading edge of the document collides with the partition member and cannot be stably loaded on the document tray 4, but FIG. So that the partition member 2
Since 2 is flexible, the partitioning member 22 fits into the surface of the document stack P by the driving force of the partitioning lever 120, and becomes flat along the document surface as in the case of full loading.

Therefore, the partition member 22 is used as the original tray 4
Regardless of whether the number of sheet originals P is large or small, the sheets are always in close contact with the surface of the original bundle P.
Even if the sheet original P is reloaded on the partition member 22, it does not collide with the partition member 22.
Sheet manuscript P stably without causing any trouble in carrying out
Can be loaded.

Next, referring to FIG. 31, the document tray 4
The jogging mechanism will be described.

FIG. 31 is a view for explaining the jogging mechanism of the document tray 4 shown in FIG.

In the figure, 122 is a width direction regulating plate 33a.
Is a jogging guide that forms a part of and is supported by the width direction restricting plate 33a so as to be retractable. Link pins 126 and 127 that engage with one side of the jogging links 123 and 125 at two locations are provided on the side opposite to the document surface side of the jogging guide 122. The other ends of the jogging links 123, 125 are engaged with the jogging lever 129 by lever pins 130, 131.

The jogging lever 129 is engaged with the jogging solenoid 132. Therefore, when the jogging solenoid 132 is turned on, the jogging guide 122 operates so as to press the sheet document P against the document reference guide 33, and the jogging solenoid 1
When 32 is turned off, the return spring 133 causes the jogging guide 122 to move away from the document end surface.

That is, each time the sheet originals P are reloaded one by one on the original tray 1, the jogging solenoid 132 is repeatedly turned on and off to reliably press the sheet originals P toward the original reference guide 33 side. The consistency of the sheet document P on the document tray 1 is improved.

Further, a slide volume (not shown) is provided so as to be engaged with the width direction regulating plate 33a, and the width direction regulating plate 3 is provided.
By moving 3a, it is possible to obtain the size information in the width direction of the sheet material placed on the document tray 4.

Further, as shown in FIG. 19, a sheet material length detection sensor 68 is attached to the rear end of the document tray 4, and this sheet material length detection sensor (for example, a reflection type sensor) is For example, the sheet material is LTR size (216 mm)
It is determined whether or not the above is the LTR size (216 mm) or less.

With this sheet material length detection sensor 68,
Even when it is determined that the size is larger than the LTR size or smaller than the LTR size, the set number of copies is 1 (keyed into the operation unit of the image system device) and the partition member 2 is used.
When it is determined that h <h2 (about 4 originals or less in the present embodiment) is determined by the bundle thickness about detection method according to 2, the sheet material placed on the original tray 4 is the first separating means. The paper is fed from the 6 and 38 sides (that is, the switchback pass mode).

On the other hand, the sheet material length detection sensor 68 determines that the size is equal to or smaller than the LTR size (entrance sensors 23a, 23
When b is ON and the sheet length detection sensor 68 is OFF), information about the widthwise size of the sheet material is obtained from the slide volume that moves in conjunction with the widthwise direction regulating plate 33a next time, for example, A4. Judge whether it is LTR size, A
4, LTR size and the number of copies is 2 or more,
When it is determined that A4, LTR size, the set number of copies is 1, and the above-described bundle thickness detection method is h ≧ h2 (in this embodiment, about 5 or more originals are assumed), the original tray is lowered, Paper feeding is performed from the second separating units 14 and 15.

Further, it is determined whether the paper is fed from the first separating section 6 or 38 side or the second separating means 14 or 15 side according to the copy mode input to the copying apparatus (for example, in the screen mode). At this time, paper is fed from the lower roller 10 side that forms the path for reversing the original, the switchback path, that is, the first separating means side 6, 38). And A4, LTR
When other than the size and the set number of copies is 1 and h <h2, the sheet material is fed from the first separating unit side. The standard for the size of the sheet material is merely the position embodiment in the present invention, and the standard value of the size can be arbitrarily selected.

Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 32 to 34, FIG.
The configuration and operation of the document bundle thickness detection mechanism placed on the document tray 4 shown in FIG. 9 will be described.

32 to 34 are cross-sectional views of the essential parts for explaining the operation of the document bundle thickness detecting mechanism placed on the document tray 4 shown in FIG.

As shown in these figures, the weight 20
Is supported by the weight swing arm 201 so as to be rotatable in the clockwise direction with its end 201b serving as a fulcrum.
Using one end 201e of the swing arm 201 shown in FIG. 2 as a stopper, a counterclockwise biasing force is exerted by spring means (not shown) to position and hold the weight 20 itself with respect to the weight swing arm 201.

Further, the weight swing arms 201 are paired in the width direction and form an integral structure with a swing arm (not shown) on the opposite side via a weight swing arm penetrating stay 201f, and both side ends are supported. Holds the weight 20.

A penetrating shaft 201a penetrates the swing center of the weight swing plate 201a, so that the weight swing plates 201 and 201 'are supported by the side plates of the apparatus main body 2. The weight 20 has a structure that is rotatable in the clockwise direction with respect to the weight rocking plate 201 about the penetrating shaft 201b when a moment in the clockwise direction is applied.

Next, the penetrating shaft 2 of the weight rocking plate 201a.
A solenoid arm 202 that transmits the drive of the solenoid 109 with 01a as a fulcrum is partly held by the spring means 203 in contact with the column portion 201g of the weight swing plate. The spring means 203 is the solenoid arm spring hook 20.
2a and the spring hooking portion 201d of the weight swing plate.

This spring force is so strong that the weight oscillating plate 201a and the solenoid arm 202 will still work even if the solenoid 109 is applied and suctioned in the direction A in FIG. As shown in FIG. 32, the through shaft 201a is integrally formed while being held in contact with the column 201g.
Rotate around.

Then, the half-moon-shaped sheet feeding roller 5 is rotated, and the outer periphery (two-dot chain line in FIG. 32) and the weight 20 are brought into contact with each other,
When the weight oscillating plate 201 cannot rotate in the clockwise direction any more, the solenoid arm 202 attracts the solenoid 109 in the direction A, causing the solenoid arm 202 to rotate in the clockwise direction with respect to the weight oscillating plate 201 about the penetrating shaft 201a. When the solenoid 109 is rotated against the urging force of the 203 and sucks a predetermined amount of stroke, the positioning is held.

Further, a flag 201c is integrally formed at the other end of the weight oscillating plate 201, and when the weight oscillating plate is rotated in the clockwise direction when the solenoid 109 is applied, the flag oscillates through the sensor holder 205. The flag 201c is detected by the position detection sensor 204 supported by the apparatus main body 2.
It is possible to detect the position of 3 in three steps.

First, in the first step, as shown in FIG. 33, the solenoid iron core portion is set to A by the application start signal of the solenoid 109 based on the command of the control circuit (described later) of the apparatus main body.
And the weight swing plate 201 is sucked in the direction
When the weight 20 rotates in the B direction (clockwise direction) in the figure around a, and the weight 20 presses the surface of the loaded document, the weight 20 itself also rotates in the C direction (clockwise direction) in the figure around 201b. , The press-fitting state follows the original placement surface.

Here, the spring means 20 having an appropriate spring force.
3, the weight of the manuscript 20
As shown in FIG. 33, it can be sandwiched between the document tray 4 and the document tray 4 in an infinitely flat state.

The difference in the amount of rocking of the thickness of the document at this time (compared to when there is no document) can be absorbed by the difference in the rocking angle between the weight rocking plate 201a and the solenoid arm 202. ing. When the thickness h of the original document is a predetermined amount h1 or more (that is, when the number of original documents on the original document tray 4 exceeds the maximum number of sheets that can be accommodated per bin of the sheet post-processing apparatus described later), the per-bin document is described for easy understanding. The bin can hold up to 50 sheets, and the document tray 4 has 100 bins.
In the case of the structure capable of accommodating up to the number of originals), the flag portion 201c of the weight oscillating plate is used for the position detection sensor 2 even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the application start signal of the solenoid 109.
04 optical axis 204a is not blocked and the sensor output signal is OF
The document processing apparatus itself is configured to be able to recognize that the stack thickness of documents is equal to or larger than a predetermined value while remaining in the F state. The relationship between the bundle thickness h and the number of sheets is slightly different depending on the sheet thickness per sheet, but in the present embodiment, it corresponds to the thickness of the original document that the user who uses the original document processing apparatus 300 can use most. The adjustment is made so that the correspondence between the predetermined amount h1 and the number of sheets at that time matches. Specifically, the position of the position detection sensor 204 can be adjusted in the C direction (FIG. 16), or the document bundle thickness h1 is set to a predetermined amount, and then, after one or several circulations of paper have been completed, The designer expects (estimates) based on the number of printed sheets
Learning software (not shown) is created so as to approach the number of documents at the time of h1, and the position sensor 204 or the sensor borg 205, a stepping motor (not shown), or the like is used to swing in the C direction based on the learning value. You may keep it.

In any case, according to the information of the bundle thickness h1,
A configuration that roughly detects the number of originals (when the bundle thickness is h1, it can be determined that the number of originals is a predetermined amount, for example, 50 or more) is possible.

Here, the number of originals when the bundle thickness is h1 may have an error with respect to the number of originals predicted by the designer due to a detection error or a variation in paper thickness. There are cases where the number of sheets of paper accommodated is less or more than the maximum number of bins that can be accommodated. If it is less, it is not a problem because it is within the range of specifications on the output side. In addition, in the case of a sorter with a built-in stapler, the number of staples may increase, but the actual number of bins that can be accommodated and the maximum number of staples that can be stapled, both have a margin with respect to the maximum value on the specifications. (For example, if the maximum number of sheets that can be loaded on the specifications is 50, then in actuality, a space of about 50 to 60 sheets should be secured. ).

Next, as shown in FIG. 35, when the number of originals is less than a predetermined number (in this embodiment, about 4 or less), that is, when the bundle of originals is less than h2, the solenoid 109 is used.
After the application signal of, the position detection sensor 204 outputs an ON signal for a certain period of time in accordance with the rotation of the weight swing arm 201a in the C direction (FIG. 34), and then becomes the OFF state. From the output signal, the document processing apparatus 300 can recognize that the document bundle thickness on the document tray 4 is h2 or less (in this embodiment, about 4 documents or less).

Further, when the output signal is in the ON state all the time, the document bundle thickness is in the range of 2h <h <h1. In the case of the present embodiment, the document may be in the range of about 5 to 50 sheets. It can be recognized (a correspondence table of output signals and the number of sheets is shown in FIG. 35). In the case of this embodiment, the relationship between the bundle thickness h and the number of sheets is 80 gr / m ² which is generally used frequently (one sheet thickness 100
μ).

FIG. 36 shows the controller C shown in FIG.
It is a control block diagram explaining a detailed configuration of ONT2,
The same parts as those in FIG. 23 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, 2201 is a CPU, a ROM,
It is a one-chip microcomputer (microcomputer) having a built-in RAM or the like, and signals of various sensors are input to an input port of the microcomputer 2201.

The slide volume for detecting the document width is connected to the analog / digital conversion terminal of the microcomputer 2201 so that the value of the slide volume can be continuously detected in 255 steps.

Further, each load is connected to the output port of the microcomputer 2201 via a driver. In particular,
The belt motor 1112 is connected to a well-known PLL circuit 2203 through a forward / reverse rotation driver, and the PLL circuit 2
A rectangular wave signal of an arbitrary frequency is input to the 203 from a rectangular wave output terminal GEN of the microcomputer 2201. By changing the frequency of this signal, the peripheral speed of the belt motor 1112, and thus the full-face belt 7, can be arbitrarily changed. It is configured to be able to.

Further, the control data is exchanged with the controller CONT1 of the copying machine main body via the communication IC 2202, and the received data includes the flow reading speed data (v) from the copying machine main body, single-sided / double-sided. / Original feed mode data such as scan / scan, original feed trigger, original exchange trigger, and original ejection trigger. In addition, as transmission data, original feed / replacement / ejection operation completion signals, detected original size. There are data, the final document signal that notifies the break of the document stack, and the image-head signal in the scan mode.

Further, the control means (control program) as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 37 is stored in advance in the built-in ROM of the microcomputer 2201 of the controller CONT2, and, for example, in accordance with the control means, a single-sided copy mode of equal magnification is set. Each input / output is controlled as shown in the system diagram shown in FIG.

FIG. 37 is a flow chart showing an example of the document feeding control procedure in the copying apparatus showing the embodiment of the present invention. Note that (1) to (15) indicate each step.

First, when a document is set on the document tray 4, the document is detected by the entrance sensors 23a and 23b in step (1), and then the document is detected when the sheet length detection sensor 68 is turned on in step (2). Is determined to be a large size, and after the copy key is turned on in step (13), the weight solenoid 109 is turned on in step (14) to detect about the document stack thickness, and whether h> h1 or h ≦ h1. h
If it is 1, the switchback pass mode of step (15) (after separating and feeding from the first separating means 6 and 38 → platen 501 → pass of the discharge roller 11 (I / O / H / N)・ In step e)), the document is circulated and the series of copying operations is completed. Next, when the sheet length detection sensor 68 is OFF in step (2), it is determined to be a small size, and in step (3) it is set by a slide volume not shown which engages with the width direction regulation plate 33a. Judge whether the width of the document is A4, LTR or B5, and YES
If it is, the setting number (register) input to the operation unit of the main body 500 is 1 or other is determined in step (4), and if the register is 1, the copy key ON signal (step (5)) is sent. The weight solenoid 109 is operated (step (6)), and the position detection sensor 204 determines whether or not the document bundle thickness is h ≧ h2 (step (7)). In this embodiment, 4 or less)
In the switchback pass mode (step (9)) fed from the first separating means, a series of copying operations are performed to complete the copying.

If YES is determined in step (7), the sheets are fed from the second separating units 14 and 15, and a series of copying operations are performed in the flow-reading mode (step (8)) to finish copying. To do.

When the set number of copies is 2 or more, the copy key is turned on and the weight solenoid is turned on to detect the document bundle thickness, and it is determined whether h> h1 or h ≦ h1. Both the second separation means (1
A series of copying is performed in the high-speed continuous feeding mode in which the paper is fed by the method (4, 15).

Further, as will be described later, at this time, when h> h1, the sorter sorts the copied sheets by skip sort, and when h ≧ h1, the sorter copies sheets one by one without opening a bin. Operates as a sort. This also applies to step (7) and step (14).

By the way, in the above embodiment, the high-speed continuous feeding mode and the flow reading mode are separated by the set number of copies of 1 in step (4), but this division is not limited to one.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when the original thickness is equal to or less than the thickness h2 of four sheets of paper in the structure for detecting the bundle thickness of the originals, the originals are handled by the switchback path in order to improve the productivity. However, this can also absorb the time difference from the copy ON to the start of the scanning of the first copy sheet depending on the total length of the switchback path, the total length of the closed loop path, and the linear velocity. The number of originals, that is, the total copy time is not limited to about 4 as long as the number of originals is set so that the switchback path> closed loop path is satisfied.

As a result, in any case, the document processing apparatus 2 can previously recognize the path in which the total copy time is shortened, and the document can be handled through the path on the shortened side.

Next, an outline of the copy paper output side of the copying apparatus will be described.

As shown in FIG. 18, a sorter 700 with a stapling function having, for example, 20 bins is connected to the copy paper output side device.

The description will be added here to the document processing apparatus 3.
On the 00 side, the sorting operation is performed when the original bundle thickness h is h> h1. The bundle thickness h1 represents the thickness of the document bundle when the number of documents is about 50.

In the present embodiment, the document processing apparatus 300
On the side, a structure capable of handling up to 100 originals is provided, and as described above, the sorter 700 secures the necessary number of 20 bins in a general sorter.

As described above, when the number of bins is about 10 bins, the number of sorting parts at one time decreases, and when it is 20 bins or more, the number of bins accommodated per bin is equivalent unless two or more sorters are connected. The size must be small, and here, as the most popular sorter, a sorter having a specification of 20 bins capable of accommodating 50 sheets per bin is given as an example.

FIG. 39 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the controller of sorter 700 shown in FIG.

In the figure, 711 is a CPU, which is a sorter 7.
00 is comprehensively controlled based on the control program stored in the ROM 712. A RAM 713 is a CPU
It functions as the work of 711. Reference numeral 714 denotes an input / output port for various sensors S1 to S3, S8 to S13, S61, S.
62, S67k, S67f, etc. input from the CPU 711
Output to.

Reference numeral 716 is an input / output port, which is a conveyance motor 71.
7, stapler swing motor 719, stapler motor 7
20, drive signals are output to the bin unit drive motor 745, the alignment rod drive motor 721, the flapper solenoid 722 and the like.

FIG. 40 is a schematic diagram for explaining the sheet stacking state for each sort mode of the sorter 700 shown in FIG.

As shown in this figure, when the document bundle thickness h> h1 (h1 is the thickness of about 51 document bundles) is detected during the execution of the skip sort mode, the first 50 documents and the lower separation are separated. , Face-up originals are placed, so that copies from the last page n to pages n-49 are first stacked in even bins one by one, and then in the second half n-4.
Pages 9 to 1 are loaded in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, ...

By this, 1, 2 bins, 3, 4 bins,
As many copy bundles as the upper and lower two-bin originals of 5 and 6 bins are obtained. Moreover, if the bins 1, 2, bins 3, 4, bins 5, 6, ... Are taken out as they are, the page order is complete and the operability is very good.

In the above embodiment, the weight 20 is used to detect the bundle thickness of the originals placed on the original tray 4 as a method for detecting the number of originals. However, as shown in FIG. Detecting a change in the capacitance C (capacitance is determined by the following equation) due to placing the document bundle by arranging the electrodes 301 and 302 above and below a part where the document bundle is placed. Alternatively, the weight of the original placed on the original tray may be detected to detect the number of originals. That is, when the document stack is set, the relative permittivity ε _r changes, so that the value of C also changes, and the number of documents is detected. Capacitance C = ε _r · ε ₀ S / d where S: electrode area, d: electrode distance, ε _r : relative permittivity, ε ₀ : vacuum permittivity, respectively.

Further, as shown in FIG. 42, an actuator capable of pressing against the paper surface may be arranged on the top of the document stack on the document tray 4 to detect the level of the document stack to detect the stack thickness. .

For example, the partition member 22 in this embodiment.
A partition member position detection flag 22 'may be integrally attached to the photo interrupter 303 to detect an output signal (same as in this embodiment) corresponding to the bundle thickness.

Here, FIG. 42A shows a state in which a large number of sheets are stacked, and the output signal of the photo interrupter 303 is O.
It becomes FF state, and is OFF when there are a few sheets in (b) of FIG.
-It becomes an ON signal.

Further, a detecting means 304 such as a CCD line sensor capable of directly detecting the top of the paper may be arranged on the document tray 4 as shown in FIG. 43 to detect the position of the top of the paper. In this case, in order to suppress the influence of the curl of the sheet, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy by disposing a pressing member (not shown).

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the setting control means shortens the image processing time for the sheet original based on the approximate number of sheet originals detected by the detecting means before the original feeding. Since the processing conditions of the original processing apparatus and the sheet post-processing apparatus are selectively set and controlled so that the image forming processing can be started in the shortest time according to the approximate number of sheet originals stacked on the original table. it can.

According to the fourth copying apparatus, the detecting means detects the approximate number of sheets based on the thickness of the sheet originals stacked on the original table. Therefore, the original processing and the recording medium are performed on the originals without feeding the originals. It is possible to detect the number of documents required to select the optimum process.

Further, based on the approximate number of the sheet originals detected by the detecting means before the original feeding, the setting control means shortens the original processing time for the sheet originals, and the feeding path from the original processing device. Since the destination is set and controlled, it is possible to select the shortest feeding path according to the approximate number of sheet documents stacked on the document table and start the copy process.

Further, since the detecting means detects the approximate number of sheets based on the thickness of the sheet originals stacked on the original table,
It is possible to detect the number of documents required to select the optimum document feeding destination without feeding the documents.

Further, when the detecting means detects that the thickness of the sheet document stacked on the document table is less than the predetermined thickness, the setting control means selects the first feeding path as the feeding destination from the document table. Since the setting is made, high throughput copy processing can be performed even when the number of originals placed on the original table is small.

Further, when the detecting means detects that the thickness of the sheet originals stacked on the original table is equal to or larger than the predetermined thickness, the setting control means selectively sets the sheet discharge sorting mode of the sheet post-processing device to the skip mode. Therefore, it is possible to surely select and set the optimum paper discharge sorting mode before starting the document feeding.

Therefore, it is possible to select and set the optimum processing conditions for originals and sheets that can achieve high throughput.

It should be noted that the number of originals is counted while copying one copy in the first cycle of the original shown in the first half of the embodiment, and in the second cycle of the original, sorting is performed without opening the bin or the bin is opened according to the number of the originals. Combination of the method of switching between sorting and sorting and the method of detecting the stack thickness of documents shown in the latter half of the embodiment and switching between sorting without opening the bin and sorting according to the stack thickness May be.

For example, with a sorter having 20 bins capable of accommodating up to 50 sheets, the bundle thickness of the originals is detected before feeding the first cycle of the originals, and a predetermined amount corresponding to the bundle thickness of 50 sheets is detected. If the number exceeds the limit, the number of originals is counted while copying one copy in the first cycle of the original, and the copied sheets are discharged to the second bin. When the number of originals is 50 or less when the copy of the first cycle of the original is completed, the copy sheets of the second cycle of the original are placed in the first bin, the third bin, the fourth bin, the fifth bin, and the sixth bin.
Discharge to a bin …… and sort. When the number of sheets exceeds 50, the bin to be discharged in the middle of the copy of the first cycle of the original is switched from the second bin to the first bin, the copy of the first cycle of the original is completed, and the copy sheet of the second cycle of the original is changed to the first copy. It is controlled so that it is first discharged to the 4th bin, the 6th bin, ... And when it exceeds 50 sheets, it is discharged to the 3rd bin, the 5th bin ,.

When the bundle thickness of the originals is less than a predetermined amount corresponding to 50 sheets, one original is continuously exposed so that all the copies are completed in only one cycle of the original, and the copy sheet is exposed. Are sequentially discharged to the first bin, the third bin, the fourth bin, .... As a result, it becomes possible to perform the copying operation at higher speed and more efficiently.

Further, in the above embodiment, the RD is set in the copying machine.
An example is a copying machine to which F and sorters can be connected, or a copying machine that can be systematized by connecting as an option. However, each sorter and RDF should be provided with independent control means to be configured as a single sorter device and document feeding device. Is also possible.

For example, the sheet processing means connected to the main body can sort the sheets sent from the main body by changing the allocation of the storage section for sorting the sheets.

Further, even if the second sorting control means provided in the sheet processing means connected to the main body exceeds the number of documents accommodated in the bin, the second sorting control means is substantially equal from the first cycle. It is possible to sort the bundle of sheets so that the thickness of the bundle is equal.

[0308]

As described above, the first aspect of the present invention
According to the invention, the control unit changes the allocation of the storage unit for storing the sheets in accordance with the number of stacked originals counted by the counting unit during the first circulation of the originals, so that the optimum sheet sorting is performed according to the number of originals. You can

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the control means sets the sheets in accordance with whether the number of stacked documents counted by the counting means during the first cycle of document transportation exceeds the maximum number of stored sheets set in the storage section. Since the allocation of the storage units to be stored is changed, it is possible to optimally sort the sheets even when the number of documents stored in the storage unit exceeds the maximum number.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the storage section for storing sheets is changed between the first cycle of document transportation and the second cycle of document feeding, the number of documents is greater than or equal to the maximum number of documents. After the second cycle, the sheets can be sorted using the second storage unit in which the number of documents is equal to or less than the maximum number of sheets to be stored.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the storage section for storing sheets is changed between the first cycle of document transportation and the second cycle of document feeding, the number of documents is greater than or equal to the maximum number of documents. After the second cycle, it is possible to sort the sheets by using a plurality of second storage units in which the number of originals is equal to or smaller than the maximum number of stored sheets.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, when the storage section for storing sheets is changed between the first cycle of document transportation and the second cycle of document feeding, the number of documents is greater than or equal to the maximum number of documents. After the second cycle, it is possible to sort the sheets by using a plurality of adjacent second storage units in which the number of originals is equal to or smaller than the maximum number of stored sheets.

According to the sixth invention, when copying is performed by connecting the sorter and the feeder, even if the number of documents exceeds the number of sheets accommodated in the bin, the first document transport and the second document transport are performed. With the document conveyance, the first sorting control unit and the second sorting control unit can sort the sheets into a predetermined bin or a plurality of bins, respectively.

According to the seventh invention, when copying is performed by connecting the sorter and the feeder, even if the number of originals exceeds the number of sheets that can be accommodated in the bin, the second cycle of the original conveyance is performed. The sorting control means can sort the sheets into a plurality of adjacent bins.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, when copying is performed by connecting the sorter and the feeder, even if the number of originals exceeds the number of sheets that can be accommodated in the bin, the second cycle of the original conveyance is performed. The sorting control means can sort the sheets into a plurality of adjoining bins so that the thickness of the sheet bundle divided into approximately equal numbers becomes uniform.

According to the ninth aspect of the invention, when copying is performed by connecting the sorter and the feeder, even if the number of originals exceeds the number of sheets that can be accommodated in the bin, the page sequence is performed during the second cycle of conveying the originals. Sheets can be sorted in the state where they are aligned.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, when copying is performed by connecting the sorter and the feeder, even if the number of originals exceeds the number of sheets accommodated in the bin, it is set during the second cycle of conveying originals. The number of copies can be corrected to an optimum number according to the processing capacity of the sorter, and the sheet processing can be efficiently performed.

According to the eleventh aspect, the sheets can be sorted by connecting the means for changing the allocation of the storage section for sorting the sheets sent from the main body to the main body.

According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, since the allocation of the storage section for sorting the sheets sent out from the main body is changed according to the thickness of the stacked document stack, the number of documents is not counted, and a plurality of documents are collected from the first cycle of the document. Optimal sheet sorting using the storage section is possible.

According to the thirteenth invention, the thickness of the stacked originals is compared with the thickness of the sheets corresponding to the maximum number of sheets stored in the storage section, and the allocation of the storage sections is changed. Even if the thickness of the original exceeds the thickness of the sheet corresponding to the maximum number of sheets to be stored, optimum sheet sorting can be performed from the first cycle of the original using the plurality of storage units.

According to the fourteenth invention, even if the number of originals exceeds the number of sheets that can be accommodated in the bin, the second sorting control means transfers the sheet bundle to a plurality of adjacent bins from the first cycle. , It is possible to sort the sheet bundle in a state in which the page order is complete.

According to the fifteenth aspect, even if the number of originals exceeds the number of sheets that can be accommodated in the bin, the second sorting control means makes the sheet bundles uniform in number evenly from the first cycle. Can be sorted.

According to the sixteenth invention, the setting control means and the original processing means reduce the copy processing time for the original based on the approximate number of originals detected by the detecting means before feeding the original. Since the selection setting of each processing condition of the sheet post-processing means is controlled, the sheet post-processing means can perform the optimum sorting processing from the first cycle.

According to the seventeenth aspect, the setting control means shortens the copy processing time for the original based on the approximate number of sheets detected from the thickness of the original detected by the detecting means before the original is fed. Since the selection setting of each processing condition of the original processing means and the sheet post-processing means is controlled, the sheet post-processing means can perform the optimum sorting processing from the first cycle.

According to the eighteenth invention, the shortest feeding path can be selected and the original can be fed so that the copy processing time can be shortened in accordance with the approximate number of the originals stacked on the original table. .

According to the nineteenth invention, the shortest feed path is selected so that the copy processing time is shortened according to the approximate number of sheets detected from the thickness of the originals placed on the original table, and the originals are fed. It can be carried out.

According to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, when the thickness of the document stacked on the document table is smaller than the predetermined thickness set for the document, the first feeding path is selected as the feeding destination from the document table. Therefore, even when the number of originals stacked on the original table is small, high-throughput copying processing can be performed.

According to the twenty-first aspect, when the thickness of the document stacked on the document table is thicker than the predetermined thickness set for the document, the skip mode is selected as the sorting mode of the sheet post-processing means. From the first cycle, the sheets delivered from the main body can be sorted in the optimal sorting mode.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a copying apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of essential parts for explaining a partitioning mechanism of the RDF document tray shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view illustrating a detailed configuration of the sheet post-processing apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a first copy sheet stacking state in the copying apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a second copy sheet stacking state in the copying apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a main processing procedure in the copying apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of detailed procedures of a main body processing 1 routine shown in FIG.

8 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed procedure of a main body processing 2 routine shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a document transport control procedure of the RDF shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a sorter mode processing procedure of the sorter shown in FIG.

11 is a flowchart showing an example of detailed procedures of a non-sort processing routine shown in FIG.

12 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed procedure of a first sort processing routine shown in FIG.

13 is a flowchart showing an example of detailed procedures of the group processing routine shown in FIG.

14 is a flowchart showing an example of detailed procedures of a stack processing routine shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of another main processing procedure in the copying apparatus according to the present invention.

16 is a flowchart showing an example of another detailed procedure of the main body processing 2 routine shown in FIG.

17 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed procedure of a first sort processing routine shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view showing the overall construction of a copying apparatus showing another embodiment of the present invention.

19 is a sectional view illustrating a detailed configuration of the document processing apparatus shown in FIG.

20 is a diagram illustrating a swinging state of the document tray shown in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a swinging state of the document tray shown in FIG.

22 is a schematic view illustrating a transport path of the document processing apparatus shown in FIG.

23 is a drive mechanism diagram of a conveyance path of the document processing apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 24 is a detail view of a main part for explaining the swing mechanism of the document tray shown in FIG.

FIG. 25 is a detailed view of a main part for explaining the swing mechanism of the document tray shown in FIG.

FIG. 26 is a detailed view of a main part for explaining the swing mechanism of the document tray shown in FIG.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a stopper mechanism of the document tray shown in FIG.

28 is a diagram illustrating a stopper mechanism of the document tray shown in FIG.

29 is a view for explaining the stopper mechanism of the document tray shown in FIG.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of an essential part for explaining the configuration of the partition member shown in FIG.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a jogging mechanism of the document tray shown in FIG.

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of essential parts for explaining the operation of the document bundle thickness detection mechanism placed on the document tray shown in FIG.

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of essential parts for explaining the operation of the document bundle thickness detection mechanism placed on the document tray shown in FIG. 19.

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of essential parts for explaining the operation of the document bundle thickness detection mechanism placed on the document tray shown in FIG. 19.

35 is a diagram showing a document thickness detection state on the document tray shown in FIG.

FIG. 36 is a control block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the controller shown in FIG.

37 is a flowchart showing an example of a document feeding control procedure in the copying apparatus shown in FIG.

38 is a system diagram showing the relationship between the set number of copies and the document feeding mode determined by the document thickness in the copying apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 39 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a controller of the sorter shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 40 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sheet stacking state for each sort mode of the sorter illustrated in FIG. 18.

41 is a cross-sectional view of essential parts showing an example of a document thickness detecting mechanism on the document tray shown in FIG. 18.

42 is a main-portion cross-sectional view showing an example of a document thickness detection mechanism on the document tray shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of essential parts showing an example of a document thickness detecting mechanism on the document tray shown in FIG. 18.

[Explanation of Codes] 100 RDF 500 Main Body 700 Sorter CONT1 Controller CONT2 Controller CONT3 Controller

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Tomohito Nakagawa 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc.

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. An original stacking unit for stacking originals, an original conveying unit for feeding the originals stacked on the original stacking unit one by one to an exposure unit, and discharging the originals to the original stacking unit after exposure, and the originals. One circulation detection means for detecting that the conveying means has made one circulation of the original, counting means for counting the number of originals conveyed by the original conveying means, and an image of the exposed original exposed by the exposing section. Means for copying a sheet onto a sheet, a storing means having a plurality of storing portions for storing the sheets copied by the copying means, an operation for circulating the original by the original conveying means for the first time, and the counting means. The operation of counting the number of originals, the operation of copying the originals by the copying means, and the operation of storing the copied sheets in a predetermined storage portion of the storage means are performed. The document conveying means causes the document to circulate for the second time, the copying means performs the operation of copying the document, and the allocation of the storing section for storing the copied sheet is changed according to the counting result of the counting means. A copying machine having a control means. 2. The control means changes the allocation of the storage parts depending on whether the count result of the counting means is less than or equal to the maximum number of sheets stored in the storage part or exceeds the maximum number of stored sheets. Copy machine. 3. The storage means comprises a first storage part having a maximum storage number equal to or greater than a number that can be transported by the document transport means, and a maximum storage number greater than a number that can be transported by the document transport means. And a second storage unit having a small number of sheets, and the sheet copied by the first circulation of the original is the first sheet.
2. The copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet stored in the storage section and copied in the second copy is stored in the second storage section. 4. The copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit has a plurality of second storage units. 5. The control means, when the result of counting by the counting means is equal to or smaller than the maximum number of sheets to be stored in the second storage section, sequentially stores the sheets in the storage section immediately adjacent to the storage section in which the sheets are stored, and the count result is The copying apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the maximum number of sheets to be stored in the second storage section is exceeded, sheets are sequentially stored in at least a storage section immediately adjacent to the storage section in which the sheets are stored. 6. An original document is placed on a platen glass of a main body at a predetermined position while sequentially separating and feeding the placed original document sheets, and after the original documents are scanned, the placed original documents are sequentially ejected. In a copying apparatus capable of connecting a feeder capable of circulating the sheets and a sorter for sorting the sheets discharged from the main body onto a plurality of bins, a bundle of documents placed on the feeder is circulated and fed. At the time of feeding, counting means for counting the number of documents fed at the first circulation feeding, and first sorting control for sorting sheets for the documents fed at the first circulation feeding to a predetermined bin of the sorter Means and the number of documents counted by the counting means and the allowable number of stored sheets set in each bin other than the predetermined bin, and the number of stored sheets fed at each circulation feeding after the second circulation feeding. More than not to exceed And a second sorting control means for sorting the sheets while sorting the sheets into the bins. 7. The second sorting control means sorts while sorting into two adjacent bins so as not to exceed the allowable number of stored sheets at each circulating feeding after the second circulating feeding. 6. The copying apparatus according to item 6. 8. The second sorting control means, based on the output of the counting means, at each circulation feeding after the second circulation feeding,
In two adjacent bins so as not to exceed the allowable storage number,
7. The copying apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the sheets are sorted while being sorted into a substantially equal number of sheets. 9. The second sorting control means sorts sheets corresponding to the same original while sequentially skip-selecting a predetermined number of bins according to the designated number of copies at the time of the second circulation feeding based on the output of the counting means. The copying apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the copying apparatus sorts the pieces while sorting. 10. A deciding means for deciding a settable number of manuscripts by comparing the number of sorting bins used in each circulatory feeding after the second circulatory feeding with the total number of bins excluding a predetermined bin, and this decision. 7. The copying apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a correction unit that automatically corrects the set number of copies based on the output of the unit. 11. A storage means having a plurality of storage portions for storing sheets on which an original has been copied, a counting means for counting the number of originals conveyed by the original conveying means, and a first circulation of the original. An operation of counting the number of originals by the counting means, an operation of copying the originals, and an operation of storing the copied sheets in a predetermined storage portion of the storage means, and thereafter, the second operation of the originals. A sheet processing apparatus having a control means for performing a circulation operation and an operation for copying an original and changing the allocation of a storage portion for storing a copied sheet according to the count result is configured to be connectable to the main body. Characteristic copying machine. 12. A document stacking unit for stacking a document, a detecting unit for detecting a stack thickness of a stack of documents stacked on the document stacking unit, and a stack of documents stacked on the document stacking unit to an exposure unit. A document feeding unit that feeds and exposes the document to the document stacking unit, a copying unit that performs exposure in the exposure unit and copies an image of the exposed document onto a sheet, and a copying unit that performs copying. A copying apparatus, comprising: a storage unit having a plurality of storage units for storing the sheets, and a control unit for changing the allocation of the storage units for storing the copied sheets based on the detection result of the detection unit. 13. The control means, when the detection result by the detection means is less than or equal to the thickness corresponding to the maximum number of sheets to be stored in the storage section,
13. The storage allocation of the storage unit is changed depending on whether the thickness exceeds the maximum storage number.
The described copying machine. 14. The control means, when the detection result by the detection means is equal to or less than the maximum number of sheets to be stored in the storage section, sequentially stores the sheets in the storage section immediately adjacent to the storage section in which the sheets are stored. When the detection result exceeds the thickness corresponding to the maximum number of sheets that can be stored in the storage section, sheets are sequentially stored in a storage section that skips at least the storage section immediately adjacent to the storage section in which the sheets are stored. 14. The copying apparatus according to claim 13. 15. A document storage device having a plurality of storage units for storing sheets on which a copy of a document is made, an operation of detecting a thick bundle of stacked documents, an operation of copying the document, and a thickness of the document. A copying apparatus, wherein a sheet processing apparatus having a control means for changing allocation of a storage unit for storing copied sheets in accordance with a detection result of a bundle is connectable to a main body. 16. A manuscript table on which a manuscript to be copied is stacked, a detecting means for detecting an approximate number of manuscripts stacked on the manuscript table, and one manuscript on the manuscript table is sequentially separated one by one to form a platen glass. A sheet feeding path leading from one end to the original reading position, and the original is fed to the original reading position through this sheet feeding path, and after reading the original, the original is discharged to the other end side of the platen glass. A document processing unit having a document feeding / discharging unit, a copying unit for copying an image obtained by exposing the document on a fed sheet, and the sheet fed from the copying unit are predetermined in accordance with a plurality of processing modes. Sheet post-processing means for performing the sheet post-processing, and the original processing means and the original processing means for shortening the copy processing time for the original based on the approximate number of originals detected by the detecting means before feeding the original. And a setting control means for controlling selective setting of each processing condition of the sheet post-processing means. 17. The copying apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the detecting unit detects the approximate number of sheets based on the thickness of the originals placed on the original table. 18. An original table on which originals are stacked, a first feeding path for sequentially separating the originals on the original table one by one and leading to an original reading position from one end of the platen glass, and the first feeding path. The path includes a second feeding path that sequentially separates the originals on the original table one by one and guides them from one end of the platen glass to the original reading position, and the first feeding path or the second feeding path. The document is fed to the document reading position via the document reading device, and after the document is read, the document processing means for placing the document on the document table via the document delivery path from the platen glass, and exposing the document on the fed sheet. Copy means for copying the image obtained by
Sheet post-processing means for performing a predetermined sheet post-processing on a sheet sent out from the copying means according to a plurality of processing modes, and an original document for the original document based on the approximate number of sheet original documents detected by the detecting means before feeding the original document. And a setting control means for controlling setting of a feeding destination from the original processing means so as to shorten a processing time. 19. The copying apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the detecting means detects the approximate number of sheets based on the thickness of the originals placed on the original table. 20. The setting control means selects and sets the first feeding path as a feeding destination from the document table when the detection means detects that the thickness of the document stacked on the document table is not more than a predetermined thickness. 19. The copying apparatus according to claim 18, wherein: 21. The setting control means selects and sets the skip mode as the sorting mode of the sheet post-processing means when the detection means detects that the thickness of the originals stacked on the original table is equal to or larger than a predetermined thickness. The copying apparatus according to claim 16 or 18, characterized in that: